Life starts anew on rubbles in Aleppo

The war-ruined ancient city of Aleppo, the largest industrial and commercial center of Syria, has started life anew on the rubbles.

The Sheikh Najjar industrial area in Aleppo, which was built in 2003 and became the largest industrial area in the Middle East in 2012, has begun reconstruction after the city was completely liberated.

Supported by the government, the area has completed a functional zone with replete matching facilities. More than 500 companies have returned and restored their competitive industries such as cotton processing and Castile soap making and attracted some foreign-capital enterprises, too.

The local government has set up a one-stop office for enterprises intending to invest in the area to go through necessary formalities.

Industrial restoration has made the local market flourish, as Aleppo enjoys unique conditions for business development for its geographical location on the westernmost end of the ancient Silk Road and a confluences of commercial roads.

“It was, of course, very terrifying during the war, as terrorists opened fire randomly in the city and made life hard. After Aleppo was liberated, everything has become spick and span, very peaceful, as we have seen it,” said a local resident.

Though the city has recovered to a certain extent, it remains a scene of devastation, with destroyed houses seen everywhere.
Aleppo Castle stands witness to the history of the entire city.

It served as a fortress for the Syrian government forces during the war years and it has stood there firm. After the war, it was once closed for reconstruction. It is reopened to tourists.