Aleppo, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, served as Syria's economic capital before the war. The city contributed approximately 24% of Syria's GDP and was renowned for its textile industry, which alone accounted for about one-third of Syria's total industrial production. The historic Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986, contained centuries of architectural heritage including the iconic Citadel, ancient souks, and numerous mosques and madrasas.

Current Damage Assessment

According to UNESCO and various international reports, approximately 70% of Aleppo's Old City has been affected by large-scale destruction, with some experts comparing it to Berlin and Warsaw after World War II. About 30% of buildings in the historic core have been completely destroyed. Major landmarks severely damaged include the Citadel, multiple historic souks, numerous mosques and madrasas, historic khans, and traditional neighborhoods.

‍