• redevelopment
• historic

The revitalization initiative in Aleppo was a collaborative effort led by the Old City Department of the City of Aleppo, working in conjunction with GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) and the active involvement of numerous individual citizens. This project highlights the transformative impact of urban rehabilitation within a historical context when the primary focus is on restoring the urban fabric rather than solely rebuilding monuments. Central to improving current conditions is recognizing that the city's physical layout synthesizes its evolutionary history. Aleppo, characterized by stone construction, reflects a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, including Greeks, Romans, Persians, Arabs, Mamluks, and Ottomans. Its historical layers provide a cultural palimpsest awaiting full exploration through archaeological endeavors. Major urban transformations occurred during periods of European protectorate, with the deployment of Western urban forms. This phenomenon is exemplified by the 1936 plan by French planner Michel Ecochard, which redirected growth towards the periphery while maintaining an active center. The city's historical density, shaped by its geographical location as a crossroads between East and West, has made it a significant site throughout history, witnessing the flow and exchange of people, products, traditions, and cultural habits. The Citadel, perched on a conical slope, serves as a defensive stronghold and symbol. The walls and gates, along with souks (the backdrop for commerce) and houses shared courtyards - hawch -, have played pivotal roles in the city's evolution. These elements emphasize a unique urban layout distinct from historic European cities. Throughout the 20th century, Aleppo, like many historic cities, grappled with the challenges posed by industrial and transportation advancements. Modernization efforts in the mid-20th century, including master plans by Andre Gutton in 1952 and Gyoji Banshoya in 1970, applied foreign models without fully considering the richness of Aleppo's context. Growth concentrated toward the periphery in the latter half of the century, preserving the city's center from aggressive transformations. However, these master plans devalued properties and generated insecurity among residents. The rehabilitation project reactivated vacant areas, adhering to historic morphologies and existing infrastructures. This involves a technical group from GTZ for the allocation of public resources to incentivize private investors in the refurbishment of buildings. Renovation efforts extend to restructuring small retail spaces, civic importance areas, and interventions utilizing open spaces to enhance the cultural splendor of the city. With their funding and experience, international organizations have played a crucial role in the city's reconstruction, overcoming bureaucratic obstacles. The rehabilitation process is based on the assumption of recovering what already exists, emphasizing the city's resilience. The German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) has played a pivotal role in the rehabilitation project, which was initiated in 1992. It involves a comprehensive Development Plan addressing spatial, environmental, social, economic, and administrative development. The city's earlier master plans focused on access improvement and economic growth, but rising recognition of the importance of heritage challenged previous ideas. The rehabilitation process required collaboration between private and public sectors, civil society, and local inhabitants. It involved economic incentives, historic rehabilitation incentives, financial incentives, planning incentives, and participatory mechanisms to foster a sense of belonging and responsibility toward the historic environment. The initiative aligns with the city's rich history, recognizing the importance of preserving its cultural identity.