Sights

The Great Mosque

The Great Mosque was founded in the early Islamic period but there is little to see that dates from that time. Its somewhat heavy style shows it to be mainly Mamluk, but its beautiful minaret, which rises straight from the street, dates from 1090 and is with its fine proportions and Kufic inscriptions a good example of the great period of Islamic architecture in Syria. The north facade of the Great Mosque forms one side of the square crowded with hawkers and peddlers.

type:	Religious Buildings
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al Fardaws Madrassa

The school of Paradise is one of the loveliest and most moving religious buildings in Aleppo. A dark twisting passageway brings us to a light and beautifully proportioned courtyard. It is a wonderfully peaceful spot; all harmony, sobriety and purity. The high pointed arches are supported on small columns with palm-leaf capitals. There is a great iwan on the north side. The sky is reflected in a pool in the center. In a double domed chamber Mamluks lie buried under the floor in unmarked graves. The bustle of the city seems miles away...

type:	Religious Buildings
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el Atroush Mosque

Facing away from the Citadel and the Seraglio stands a fine octagonal minaret, which is part of the al Atroush (or Otrouch) mosque which dates from the 15th century. Its courtyard is reminiscent of a church cloister, with trees - figs, olives and pines - and a scattering of graves.

type:	Religious Buildings
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the al Bharamyah Mosque

Charafyah Madrassa

On the square, to the right on leaving the mosque, a two-colored gateway with a honeycomb vault and heavily studded doors beneath, leads into the ancient al Charafyah Madrassa which used to be a library. Unfortunately its lovely decorated windows are half-hidden by ugly accretions, which it would be fairly easy to remove.

St. George Cathedral