Ancient City of Aleppo (August 2014)
The ongoing fighting in the Ancient City of Aleppo, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in Danger since 2013, has reached the monumental Citadel of Aleppo, located on the city's hilltop, rising above the souks, mosques and madrasas of the old walled city.
UNESCO sources have reported that in the last few days, armed groups are located within the fortress and shells are falling nearby. The Citadel’s outer walls, main gate and iron doors have, as a result, been damaged.
There were already confirmed reports from sources in Aleppo last month, that the historic Grand Serail Al-Sarāy al-Kabir, located directly opposite the Citadel, the Carlton Hotel, and other buildings around the Citadel have been devastated by large explosions, which have also impacted neighbouring infrastructure in the Old City. The Yalbogha Hammam is also occupied by military groups.