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In 1999, the Syrian Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture-Historic Cities Support Programme finalized an agreement to further the technical and financial support for the conservation of three Syrian castles: Aleppo Citadel, Salah ad-Din Castle, and Masyaf Castle.  From 2000 until the present, the Trust has undertaken preservation and restoration work in the Aleppo Citadel and the castles of Salah ad-Din and Masyaf.  This was made possible by a grant, renewed yearly, of generous proportions and the reliable international methodological support around issues of preservation in the archaeological sites(awaabid). This involved numerous projects in the sites and buildings in and around the Citadel of Aleppo. Among in the projects accomplished in the past few years: 

2000: Tower 1

2001: Western surface area of the Citadel. Removal of accumulated soil to improve area drainage brought to light a residential area dating from the late Ottoman era, which was then partially restored

—Northern Advance Tower. Excavation of archeological ruins.   

2002:  

—Western surface area of the Citadel.  Continuation of soil removal for drainage improvement and restoration of the discovered ruins.

—Restoration of part of the northern area in the Citadel, and the northern walls.

—Restoration of the Northern Advance Tower

—General restorations in the Ayyubid Palace and treatment of the masonry blocks.

—Restoration work in the Arsenal, then followed up by work in 2004 to become a museum.

—Restoration of the Barracks of Ibrahim Pasha

—Beginning of pilot project for the Gullies 1, 2, 11, and 12.  1 and 2 were completed in 2003 and 2004.

—Beginning of architectural and photographical documentation work.  

2003:

—Western surface of the Citadel (southern section).  Work completed in 2004 and 2005.

—Restoration of southern walls from the entrance of Tower 41 to Tower 45.

—Discovery and restoration of tourist walking paths inside the Citadel.  Work completed in 2004 and 2005.

—Towers and wall from the outside.  Work completed in 2004.

—Restoration of Tower 42 and wooden doors inside in 2004 and the Arsenal Paths Ottoman Room.

—Restoration of the Palace Hammam (Hammam Nur ad-Din)

—Entrance to the: Ayyubid Palace treatment of stones + cleaning of the muquarnas, honeycomb vaulting, in 2004 +Arsenal Paths

—Rehabilitation of the Barracks of Ibrahim Basha.  Completed between 2004 and 2005.

—Replacement of fallen stone pavings on the left-hand side of the glacis. 

2004:

—Restoration of the Tawashi Palace

—Treatment of the courtyard facing the Ayyubid Palace.

—Restoration of souk site near main circuit in the Citadel.

—Discovery of the Ayyubid Room and restoration and rehabilitation.

—Placement of the electric network underground. 

2005:

—Discovery and restoration of moat walls along and facing the Citadel, along with restoration of the entrance.

—Restoration of the underground Ayyubid Cistern.  Project completed in 2006 and 2007.

—Restoration of the Satura-Ayyubid Well.  Project completed in 2006.

—Preparation of terrace in front of the Barracks of Ibrahim Pasha

—Restoration and preparation of the entrance tower.

—Restoration of metalwork objects found buried in the water cistern.

—Finalization of study for a development project in the Citadel Perimeter area. 

2006:

—Completion of Ayyubid Cistern and Satura projects

—Beginning of execution of development project in the Citadel Perimeter area, which will include carrying out work in the surrounding area… 
 

All intervention projects were preceded by quality architectural and structural documentation work. The documentation, along with photographic documentation, was then repeated upon completion of the projects.  

In 2002, the World Monuments Fund (WMF) awarded a grant and became a participant in the in the financing of project execution and restoration and rehabilitation work in a number of sites and structures in the Citadel.  Their participation was done in coordination with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, and the sites and buildings were then defined by a special agreement between the two trusts, as follows:

 

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The international importance of the Citadel of Aleppo has increased noticeably along with the restoration and rehabilitation work.  This will in turn spur increased tourist attraction to the perimeter area, supported by the soon-to-be completed development work in the area. The development project aims to catalyze specific positive uses and investment in the area.  The site will thus be prompted to reach the international standards for a tourist destination and a World Heritage Site.  The importance of the Citadel Perimeter project is clear though its attention to detail and comprehensive nature. 

The primary support for the "Conservation of the Citadel of Aleppo and Development of its Perimeter" comes from the Historic Cities Support Program of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.  The Aga Khan Trust for Culture has not wavered in their giving of this generous support over the past seven years.  They continue their support at present through Citadel Perimeter project.  Many thanks to them, as well to the "World Monuments Fund." 

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We believe that the Society's priority—in the initial stages—should be the creation of trust among the city's residents of the existence of a true non-profit society, dedicated to the general benefit of the Citadel of Aleppo and its Perimeter, and that said society's operations are characterized by transparency and integrity in the realization of its stated goals.  

والإخلاص للأهداف المعلنة؛ وهذا ما يزيل أية شكوك بهذا النوع من الجمعيات، من خلال العمل ونتائجه الواضحة.  Become clear through its work and clear results. 

The society seeks to define an implementation plan which will include numerous activities and events aimed towards fulfilling the society's goals.  This plan requires an amount for its completion.  As such, the society strives, through its members and the love for the Citadel of Aleppo to gather funds through grants and donations.  In addition, profits are expected to be generated from some of the events which the society will organize.  These mechanisms of financial support for the Society are regulated by its bylaws, in coordination with the implementation of the work plan. 

Selected proposed projects and activities and how they could be realized

(in coordination with the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums) 

1-Proposed conservation and restoration projects in a number of sites and structures in the Citadel and a prioritized work plan by site importance.

3. Funds for maintenance of some of the projects implemented by the AKTC or by the Directorate of Antiquities in Aleppo. 

A: Safety and Cleanliness

1. Creation of an implementation plan for securing buildings and specific sites in the Citadel through guards and surveillance equipment.  This would take place in cooperation with other entities and/or organizations and societies.

2. Cleaning campaigns in the Citadel on specific days, to be followed by the employment of some cleaning employees, who would then be supervised by members of the Society. 

A: Education and promotion

1- Creation of a plan for education on history and care for the Citadel, in coordination with the Directorate of Antiquities, Tourism, Education, etc.  Included in this program would be the issuance of a publication and the presentation of lectures, guided tours of the Citadel and its Perimeter, as well as exhibitions in a hall in the Citadel and events in the amphitheatre. 

2. Organizing cultural, artistic, and social events to gather funds, ensuring the permanence of the Society's fund to spend on the coming projects in  الفقرات أعلاه

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Donations

Donations can be made through bank transfers domestically and internationally to 'Friends of the Citadel of Aleppo', account #208418, Bank of Syria and Overseas.

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