This thesis explores the role of public architecture in the post-war reconstruction of Aleppo, one of the oldest cities in the world, which has suffered great destruction during the war in Syria. The research focuses on how to preserve Aleppo’s urban identity, which is a combination of architecture, spatial organization, materiality, and cultural memory, while addressing the social, economic, and political challenges that the post-war city is facing.

Through a combination of literature review, spatial analysis, and other used methods, the thesis first identifies the elements that define the city, such as the courtyard typology, souks, limestone material, and craftsmanship traditions. It then looks into how the war impacted the city. And it tries to identify what role public architecture can play in preserving Aleppo’s cultural memory and supporting community recovery during times of political instability. The research ends with a design proposal titled Bayt al Madina (“House of the City”), situated on the former place of the Grand Serail, directly south of the Citadel. Once with an authoritive function, the site is reimagined as a hub dedicated to learning, craftsmanship, and community gathering. By translating research insights into design, the project demonstrates how public spaces can serve not only as physical interventions but as tools for cultural and historical continuity, social healing, and urban revitalization. ... Read more

The Citadel of Aleppo is one of the oldest and largest castles in the world, and the greatest landmark of Aleppo. Located on top of a hill in the middle of the city, it stands as a symbol of resilience, having faced many challenges during various historical events through the centuries. This thesis analyses the architectural trajectory of Aleppo's Citadel, uncovering its transformation through seismic events, wars, and cultural transformations with the use of primary and secondary sources, such as archival documents, photographs and architectural drawings. Motivated by the Citadel's enduring and recent challenges, this thesis aims to understand the interplay of historical events and architectural development that shaped the Citadel by contextualizing the transformations within their historical, cultural, and geopolitical contexts.

The thesis covers different historical periods, starting with the Medieval ages, with each shaping the Citadel in different ways. The Medieval Period mainly shaped the structure of the fortress as it is standing today. Being built as a military fortress during battles against Crusaders and Mongols, the Citadel got constantly destructed and reconstructed because of its strategic importance and the continuous seismic activity. As it came under Ottoman rule, the Citadel transitioned to a complex with residential and commercial functions, which reflect the stability and socio-political shift of the time. As the Empire fell after World War I, the French took control and initiated excavations which were continued by the Syrians after the Independence. In the Modern Era, the Citadel got recognized as a World Heritage Site and became a tourist destination and cultural hub of the city. As reconstruction and preservation projects were on the go, the Citadel witnessed a war that destroyed the country and damaged the monument. Before even being reconstructed, another earthquake hit the region and caused, once again, damage to the fortress.
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