Syria to celebrate Aleppo as capital of Islamic culture
Syria, Culture, 5/21/2005

Aleppo, the second Syrian city after Damascus, is preparing to festive its announcement as the capital of Islamic culture in 2006, due to its long history and effective contribution to keep the Islamic culture, SANA said Friday.

During a meeting that joins various cultural, religious and educational activities, minister of culture noted main reasons to choose Aelppo as the capital of Islamic culture.

"It is due to its old history which dates back to more than 5000 years. It has been exposed to many foreign invasions and kept steadfast. It is also because of the presence of great men of creatures and scientists who effectively contributed to keep the Islamic culture," Mahmoud al-Sayyed said.

He noted to the big consideration of Aleppo's being the resort of culture and science in addition to its being distinguished by its castle and archeological sites with its old markets (souqs) and inns stressing the "characteristic of religious fraternity of Aleppo." Al-Sayyed called upon all gathered to work like a team as to display Aleppo in its adequate appearance and highlight its big role in history, culture and Arab and Islamic civilization.

"We want to make this big demonstration next year a success. We have to put down programs of cultural, historical and artistic activities over the city of Aleppo," he stressed.

Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization ISESCO has chosen Aleppo last year as the upcoming capital for Islamic culture. Damascus, the capital of Syria is going to be the Islamic culture capital in 2008.

Activities in this respect include holding various artistic expositions and cultural seminars in addition to show historical and documentary films on the architectural aspects of Aleppo with a web site to be announced soon.

Archaeologist J Sauvaget wrote "Of all the towns of Syria, it is Aleppo that leaves the profoundest impression upon the visitor." Cradled in a bowl of dry hills in northern Syria, the city of Aleppo has a grave and dignified front of a traditional Arab city, although it's rules are more relaxed than neighboring countries. It's been a luring point for passing traveler with it's fine Arabic tradition, architecture and trade. Since Roman times, Aleppo has been an important trading center linking the countries of Asia and the Mediterranean and is though to be the oldest trading town in existence, with some 50 centuries of commerce in it's rich history. Aleppo has one of the biggest and best souqs in the Middle East. National specialties include cotton, grain, pistachios, olives and sheep.

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