Citadel of Aleppo

The earliest traces of settlement at the Citadel of Aleppo date back to the third millennium BC, when a sanctuary dedicated to the weather god Adad existed here. Later, Aleppo became the capital under the Jamchad Empire. After its conquest by Alexander the Great and the Seleucids, who renamed the city Beroia, the citadel was further developed. The Romans took control in 63 AD, and after the division of the empire, Aleppo became part of the Eastern Roman Empire. In the 7th century, Muslim armies conquered the city. The citadel experienced a flourishing period under the Hamdanids from 944, who moved their palace here after Byzantine attacks. The fortress reached its most significant phase during the Crusades under the Zengids and Ayyubids. Especially az-Zahir Ghazi, Saladin's son, shaped the citadel's current appearance in the 13th century through extensive construction and fortification works. In the 13th and 15th centuries, the citadel was damaged and rebuilt due to Mongol and Timurid invasions. Under Ottoman rule, it lost military significance but continued to house a garrison. An earthquake in 1822 caused severe damage. During the French Mandate in the 20th century, archaeological excavations and restorations were carried out. Since the civil war in Syria began in 2012, the citadel has again suffered severe damage.

The Citadel of Aleppo is located in the city of Aleppo, in the Al-Hasaka district of Syria. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 413 meters above sea level.

The historic fortress is open for visits and stands as a significant testament to past cultures and architectural masterpieces.

• Crusader Castle Baghras (Fortress), approx. 87.9 km away
• Castle Ruin Bourzey (Castle), approx. 101.1 km away
• Crusader Castle Amouda (Castle), approx. 145.5 km away
• Temple Baitokaike (Ancient Buildings), approx. 163.3 km away