Memories of Aleppo

Aleppo has always been one of my favorite cities to visit. It had a population of over 2 million and is built around one of the largest citadels I have ever seen. It was built in 12th and 13th centuries on a large limestone outcrop towering over 100 feet high over the surrounding plain. Excavation has revealed a Bronze Age Temple From the 3ed and 2ed millennia BC. The large souk or market nearby is over 1000 years old.

 The last hotel I stayed at in April of 2011 was next door to the Baron Hotel, the oldest hotel in Syria built in 1870 for Pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. Guests there have included Lawrence of Arabia,Theodore Roosevelt,David Rockefeller, and Agatha Christie who wrote part of "Murder on the Orient Express" there When it closed its doors in 2014 the lines between the government and rebel forces was only a few feet away.

Pictures that have gotten out now show a city in ruins. Russian bombing, barrel bombs dropped by Assad's forces, and chemical weapons used by Assad in spite of the "Red" line have killed many and created many refugees of those who are able to flee. In one cruel  day last week six hospitals were bombed and there is no end in sight.

Looking up at the Citadel

Stairs leading into the Citadel

Entrance to Citadel

Inside Citadel

View from the top

Cafe

Aleppo Clock Tower

Ottoman style wooden homes