Aleppo, << uh LEHP oh >>, is one of the largest and most important cities in Syria. The city has about 4 million people. An industrial center, it lies nestled among the hills in northwestern Syria. The city’s ancient and Arabic name is Ḥalab.
Aleppo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating to about 2000 B.C. The city’s bazaar, narrow streets, and limestone buildings reflect its ancient past. A medieval citadel (fort) surrounds the city. Aleppo is one of Syria’s most important agricultural and industrial centers. Its chief products include cotton, wool, and textiles. The city is home to the University of Aleppo.
In ancient times, Aleppo served as a gateway between Europe and the eastern Mediterranean to Asia. In the 1500’s, the city flourished as a major trading center of the Ottoman Empire.
Violence erupted in Syria in 2011. During the course of a brutal civil war, government and opposition forces have battled in Aleppo, damaging large parts of the city. In 2016, government troops, supported by Russian airstrikes, drove out rebel forces, and some families began to move back into the the battered city.
