Remembering Beirut: Lessons for Archaeology and (Post-) Conflict Urban Redevelopment in Aleppo

Post-conflict urban redevelopment in Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with occupation dating back to the 10th century BCE, risks repeating the pitfalls seen in Beirut's reconstruction. While Beirut's Solidere project initially prioritized modern development over cultural heritage, leading to an exclusive and disconnected area, subsequent protests forced the integration of historic preservation and limited archaeology. This study highlights that archaeological heritage can play a pivotal role in post-conflict urban rehabilitation, fostering community identity and mitigating socio-political tensions. By analyzing Beirut's case, it identifies key lessons for Aleppo's reconstruction, emphasizing the importance of balancing development with cultural heritage conservation to ensure sustainable and inclusive urban renewal.

Sandes, C. A. (2017). Remembering Beirut: Lessons for Archaeology and (Post-) Conflict Urban Redevelopment in Aleppo. Ex Novo: Journal of Archaeology, 2, 5–32. https://doi.org/10.32028/exnovo.v2i0.387