Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Aleppo, SANA- The City Council of Aleppo, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has completed the restoration works of the ancient of al-Khabiya Souq “market” and the repair of the damage caused to it at the hands of terrorists. The ancient Souq contains 106 shops varying from those of deserts, foodstuffs, vegetables, stationery, school bags and shoes. 
Eng. Ahmad al-Shihabi, Director of Aleppo Old City, said in a statement to SANA reporter that within the plan of Aleppo City Council to restore the elegance of Aleppo old markets, and to rehabilitate and renovate them, the restoration works have started at the archeological al-Khabiya market, which is one of the most important ancient markets in Aleppo.
The Souq links al-Sijin streets in the south and Bab al-Nasr in the north as the infrastructure has been renovated such as the water, electricity and communication networks, in addition to re-paving tiles, as well as rehabilitating stone facades, removing irregularities and visual distortions, and rebuilding what was destroyed as a result of terrorist attacks.
Al-Shihabi indicated that the metal roof covering a part of the market was replaced after the rehabilitation of the metal sides bearing it and the building of the stone holders, in addition reconstructing stone arches, installing wooden umbrellas and metal doors in line with their archaeological architecture.
He pointed out to the continued implementation of the plans of the Directorate of the Aleppo Old City to renovate the markets in order to restore the normal commercial activity to them.
Eng. Hussam Halabi from the Executive Division at Aleppo Old City Directorate stated that the restoration works included al-Khabiya Souq and parts of Bab al-Nasr archaeological site, which is located at the northern entrance of the Souq, where the ramshackle walls are being renovated and reinforced through using the same stones and compensating for the lost ones with the same quality.
Halabi noted that the market is divided into two parts, the first of which is covered with a metal umbrella while the second is unroofed, where wooden umbrellas were installed that are in harmony with the architectural style in the ancient markets of Aleppo Old City, adding that all works have been carried out according to the technical specifications and conditions required by the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums.
Nisreen Othman/ Ruaa al-Jazaeri
