Aleppo – In a significant milestone for the city’s cultural and religious heritage, the historic Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo has reopened its doors to worshippers after years of restoration. The partial reopening, which took place on Wednesday evening, follows the successful completion of the first phase of renovation efforts.
The Great Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Aleppo Umayyad Mosque, is one of the most important and oldest mosques in Syria. Originally built in the 8th century during the Umayyad Caliphate, the mosque underwent several reconstructions over the centuries due to natural disasters and conflicts. The most notable restoration occurred in the 12th century under the rule of the Zengid dynasty after it was heavily damaged during the Crusades. Over time, it became one of Aleppo’s most iconic religious and architectural landmarks, renowned for its grand courtyard, intricate stonework, and historic minaret.
However, between 2012 and 2016, the mosque suffered severe destruction due to the war. In 2013, its famous 11th-century minaret, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, was completely destroyed. The structure of the mosque itself sustained significant damage, including the collapse of parts of its walls, the burning of its prayer hall, and the loss of priceless historical artifacts.
Since 2016, restoration work has been ongoing to bring the mosque back to its former glory. This process has involved meticulous efforts to rebuild its minaret, repair its historic walls, and restore its intricate details using traditional craftsmanship. While the mosque is now open for prayers throughout the holy month of Ramadan, further restoration will continue after Eid al-Fitr to prepare for a full reopening in the future.
Source: Aksalser