In a heartfelt return to his roots, Alhakam Shaar’s journey from Germany to Aleppo exemplifies the resilience and longing many share for their homeland, even amidst challenging circumstances. As Syria faces a complex rebuilding process following years of conflict, Shaar’s commitment to revitalizing his family’s heritage illuminates the profound connections individuals hold to their communities. His experience reflects a broader narrative of not just restoration, but also a hopeful look towards the future of Aleppo.
Aleppo, once a hub of culture and industry, is witnessing a slow but determined return of its residents, who are striving to restore their city. Alhakam Shaar, returning from Germany to his hometown after a decade away, made an unconventional choice: instead of a hotel or friends’ homes, he opted to stay in his father’s old office in Aleppo’s storied Old City. However, upon arrival, he quickly realized there was a significant hurdle to his plans; his shelter lacked any closable windows or doors, making the already harsh winter temperatures even more difficult to bear. Undeterred, Shaar invested in a sleeping bag advertised to withstand extreme weather. Yet, as he experienced cold nights with frostbitten toes, he found solace in the emotional warmth of returning home.
His time in Aleppo was brief, limited to two weeks primarily due to disrupted flights caused by recent clashes in the city. Nonetheless, Shaar seized the opportunity to initiate renovations on his family home, which had been looted and battered by the ravages of war. Despite the daunting scale of the repairs, including a collapsing roof and missing front door, he managed to make visible progress by installing a new metal door, signaling to all that the building was no longer abandoned.
Many Syrians are returning home to Aleppo to rebuild their lives, though they face an uphill battle against infrastructure damage and the need for extensive reconstruction. The newly established Syrian government is beginning efforts to restore Aleppo, yet residents remain skeptical if these initiatives will be sufficient to reclaim the city’s former vibrance.
Historically, Aleppo was a significant trade center and industrial capital in Syria, thriving during Hafez al-Assad’s presidency. Yet years of neglect and strife led to its current state of disrepair. Following the conflict’s outbreak in 2011, Aleppo became emblematic of the broader struggles facing Syria, subsequently becoming a divided city. As the fighting raged, iconic neighborhoods fell into ruin while many inhabitants became displaced.
Today, Aleppo grapples with the bitter legacy of war. Informal settlements and overcrowded facilities are common, particularly in northern Syria, where humanitarian reports emphasize the plight of families living in precarious conditions. Residents, like Roger Asfar, an Aleppo native and director for the Adyan Foundation, express concern that the city’s revival may be elusive.
Reconstruction is undoubtedly a priority, yet it prompts questions about governance that demand local involvement in decision-making processes. Collaboration between the Syrian government and international organizations, such as the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, is critical to restoring Aleppo’s rich heritage, including its historic souk and citadel. However, substantial investments will be necessary to ensure the city’s unique character is preserved as rebuilding efforts unfold.
Despite the challenges faced, Shaar remains cautiously optimistic about Aleppo’s future. He notes that the neglect it suffered could be a blessing in disguise; unlike other Syrian cities, Aleppo has not been significantly gentrified by elite interests.
The true spirit of Aleppo, characterized by its cultural richness and diversity, is reflected in stories like that of musician Bassel Hariri, an Aleppo native currently in London. He fondly recalls the thriving cultural scene steeped in community tradition, a legacy that he hopes to see rekindled.
As the returning diaspora rebuilds their lives in Aleppo, many face difficult choices about relocation, influenced by job opportunities abroad alongside the desire to reconnect with their roots. For Shaar, the allure of home is compelling, yet practical considerations tether him to Germany for now. His journey symbolizes a shared hope among Aleppo’s returning residents—an aspiration that their beloved city may rise again, infused with resilience and the collective will to restore what was lost.
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