The hill upon which the citadel now rests is reputed to be the place where Abraham camped on his journey from Ura. Fifty meters above the city, the citadel’s walls and towers encircle ruins from every period. The walls enclose: a domed Byzantine church converted into a mosque, a prison dug out of rock, the walls which were the base of a Syro-Hittite temple and the remains of the great mosque built by Saladin’s son.

The museum is located in an 18^th century palace. Its entrance is guarded by two Sumerian Lions. It houses Sumerian artifacts and many fine examples of chests, sofas, chairs inlaid with pearl, shell, ebony and ivory as well as mirrors, lamps samovars and other objects dating from the Ottoman Empire.

In Aleppo this is the loveliest and one of the most inspiring religious buildings. The entrance is a dark twisting passage which opens on a beautiful courtyard. The sky is reflected in a pool at its center. Under the floor of a double-domed chamber. Mamluks lie in unmarked graves.

Khan Al Joumrok

It is the largest khan in the old city and has been in continuous use since the  17^th century.                                                

The fine houses are built of limestone and line the quarter’s narrow streets. The simple doorways of the houses lead into courtyards with fountains and often gardens of jasmine and roses, a raised, open Iwan; a simply furnished space for relaxation.