Aleppo City in Syria
Aleppo is one of the oldest cities in the world and the most populous city in Syria, which serves as the capital of the Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 2.1 million in 2004, it is Syria's second-largest city and also one of the largest cities in the Levant.
It has many popular attractions, including Aleppo Citadel, Great Mosque, Aleppo Museum, making it well worth a visit.
You can spend a perfect shopping time in Aleppo with a walk in the old city bazaars.
Today, Al-Madina Souq is the most attractive market in the city. It is located in the historic city center. The first market on this site appeared yet in the 14th century. Starting from its establishment, it has been the longest covered market in the world. The total length of shopping galleries in the market is roughly 13 kilometers. To make it more convenient for visitors, Al-Madina Souq is divided into several parts, each of which offers goods of a certain type. The market is a unique architectural landmark. In the past, there were several upscale caravanserais here. They were built more than 500 years ago.
You will have an opportunity to purchase the best goods brought from all regions of Syria and even from other countries. Pay closer attention to high-quality silk fabrics and clothes made from them. Foreign guests usually enjoy shopping for premium jewelry that can be made not only from gold and silver but also from copper. Clothes and headwear in the regional style are also a wonderful and memorable gift. Local craftsmen often decorate apparel with hand embroidery.
Natural soap is a nice and inexpensive gift. Local people have been making soap for more than three centuries. Olive oil is the main ingredient in the soap, as well as essential oils and plant extracts. The part of the market called Suq Al-Saboun has the largest stock of soap and other cosmetics.
The Food of Aleppo
The ancient city of Aleppo (Halab – Alep) prides itself on the best cuisine in the Middle East.
The food of the Levant is rich and diverse. Variations on a dish exist between Middle Eastern countries that line up the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It’s not uncommon for one country to own a dish and have it adopted by its neighbor. With Aleppo‘s proximity to Turkey and sharing a border with Lebanon, many dishes have mixed origins, much like the Armenian influences which have punctuated the city’s cuisine.
