Publications
Destruction Of Cultural Heritage in Times of Conflict
Conflict in Syria between 2011 and 2021 led to widespread destruction of cultural heritage, with distinct patterns observed across three phases: pre-IS (March 2011–May 2014), under IS control (June 2014–March 2017), and post-IS (April 2017–April 2021). The study highlights the targeting of iconic sites like the Ancient City of Aleppo, Palmyra, and archaeological sites in the Syrian Golan Heights, revealing deliberate and systematic damage during armed conflict. Methodologically, the research categorizes destruction by phase, emphasizing media-reported cases to illustrate broader trends in heritage loss.
Mapping Spatial Social Aspects of Urban Recovery in contested cities: A Case of The Historic Commercial Center of The Ancient City of Aleppo
A framework for post-conflict urban rehabilitation that prioritizes local aspirations and community engagement has been proposed to address the social dimensions of rebuilding heritage sites. The study, focusing on Aleppo's historic commercial center, reveals that current rehabilitation efforts often overlook social damage and fail to incorporate locals' needs. Through onsite field observations, interviews with shop owners and residents (including those in diaspora), and an online questionnaire survey conducted between 2020 and 2021, the research highlights the necessity of inclusive decision-making processes. This approach aims to balance physical reconstruction with social recovery, ensuring that rehabilitation efforts reflect the vision and identity of affected communities.
Post-Conflict reconstruction, forced migration & community engagement: the case of Aleppo, Syria
A top-down governmental approach to post-conflict reconstruction of the Ancient City of Aleppo fails to foster reconciliation and social cohesion. Empirical data from surveys with Syrians and Iraqis reveal that sustainable heritage reconstruction requires a bottom-up, participatory model that engages all societal members. This approach could serve as a unifying force for displaced people's reintegration and future stability, contrasting with the current top-down methods.
The Souqs of Aleppo, Syria
The souqs of Aleppo, central to the city's economic and cultural identity for millennia, have suffered significant damage due to prolonged armed conflict. This study highlights their historical role in shaping Aleppo’s architecture and socio-economic fabric, tracing their evolution from ancient trade hubs to modern marketplaces like Al-Saqatiyya. It emphasizes the urgent need for a structured rehabilitation policy that integrates local community participation to ensure sustainable recovery and revitalization of these heritage sites.
Decision-Making Methodology Between Revitalisation and Rehabilitation of World Heritage City Centers. Case Study: The Ancient City of Aleppo (Syria)
A validated decision-making methodology (DMT) for post-conflict revitalization of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, demonstrated through the rehabilitation of Aleppo's historic souk, offers a replicable framework to guide conservation efforts. The approach integrates 3D scanning and damage assessment data to inform cost-effective, contextually appropriate interventions that restore functionality while preserving cultural integrity. This DMT bridges scientific evidence with practical implementation, providing actionable tools for stakeholders in conflict-affected heritage conservation.
The Centrality of Aleppo and its Environs
Aleppo's enduring significance as a central place in the ancient Middle East, unlike other major cities of its time, is attributed to its strategic topographic location and multifunctional roles in trade, exchange, craft production, and cult activity. This study employs spatial statistics and extends the theoretical concept of 'central place' to reconstruct Aleppo's historical importance. By analyzing its relationship with surrounding settlements, researchers demonstrate that Aleppo maintained its dominance through a combination of local, regional, and supra-regional functions, ensuring its long-lasting relevance in economic and cultural networks.
Travels in Syria and the Holy Land
John Lewis Burckhardt's 'Travels in Syria and the Holy Land' offers a unique and detailed account of Arabian life, culture, and architecture during the early 19th century. The publication is notable for its vivid descriptions of the ancient city of Petra, particularly its Nabataean tombs, which provide invaluable insights into the architectural and cultural heritage of the region. Burckhardt's two-year sojourn in Aleppo, where he immersed himself in Arabic studies and Islamic law to prepare for his travels, allowed him to gain firsthand knowledge and perspective. His observations, while constrained by the need to avoid suspicion as a non-Muslim, contribute significantly to our understanding of the historical and cultural landscape of Syria and the Holy Land during this period.
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