Cultural Preservation: Familiarity in Spaces Interrupted by Violence

There are several factors that contribute to place-making; architecture plays a role in reflecting people’s sense of belonging and identity. When conflicts arise, architecture inevitably suffers in a physical manner, impacting people’s lives and leading to the loss of the cultural essence of a space. The physical act of destruction struck several Syrian cities during the long-lasting war. In Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, much of the old historic quarter has been destroyed. Currently, it is in the post-war recovery phase, where rehabilitation projects have started to take place. This thesis explores a theory of application as a guideline for critical interventions in the ancient city of Aleppo’s Al-Madineh souk complex through means of reconstruction and preservation. By tackling intentionally damaged cultural heritage and considering the traditional elements and spaces that allow for the continuity of intangible qualities, as well as enhancing the functional spatial qualities, it proposes how to achieve contemporary solutions that respect local heritage. Souks are a source of economic prosperity, cultural heritage, and a place of communal engagement. Through integrating a sense of familiarity, war-torn spaces can be revisited and reconstructed as a method of recovering Syrians’ livelihoods and sense of identity in a place.