The Old City of Aleppo, with its historic neighborhoods, bustling markets, and resilient residents, represents a a modal work environment. It needs an active community minaret that fosters development by building strength through diverse partnerships, all aimed at revitalizing and empowering the OldCity in the best possible way.
From the gate of culture and civilization, the "Old Aleppo Minaret" emerged as a beacon. Which was once the residence of Ibrahim Pasha Qater Agasi, and later on it was known to Aleppians as the ‘Seif Al Dawleh’ School, this building holds significant social and cultural value. In 2021, it became nurturer of the bluprint to revive the markets along the Straight Street, through a community-driven workshop that brought together residents, local institutions, and official bodies, elevating the minaret to its new role.
The ‘Seif Al Dawleh’ School has transformed into a specialized minaret and an interactive space that unites all partners. It has become a vibrant, shared center for various community activities, government services, and local initiatives related to the Old City. This collaborative approach ensures the activation of all working units in the area, while also aligning with the needs of the local community through a unified development blueprint. This plan focuses not only on market development but on the rejuvenation of the Old City as a whole.
The architectural design of the minaret reflects the unique cultural identity of the Old City. Its services harmonize with the spirit of Aleppo, featuring a section dedicated to documentaries and voice recordings, as well as an electronic and digital archive about Aleppo. It also includes resources for scientific research and higher education students, along with training and heritage activities that express Aleppo's cultural and civilizational heritage.
Relating to economics and development, the minaret’s central location within the markets has served as a catalyst for restoring and reviving these historic trade centers. It has sparked efforts to encourage investment and the return of businesses to the Old Markets. The minaret supports these efforts through vocational training programs, economic and legal consultations, and facilitating access to the job market. All of these initiatives aim to drive long-term development, ultimately leading to the complete revival of Old Aleppo.