National Museum of Aleppo, Aleppo

The National Museum of Aleppo stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of Aleppo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Located in the heart of the city, this museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and relics that span the breadth of Syrian history and prehistory.

Established in the 1930s, the museum's collection boasts an impressive array of items that range from the prehistoric to the Islamic era. The museum's facade itself is an artifact; it features a magnificent iron gate from the 14th century, salvaged from one of Aleppo's traditional houses. Inside, visitors are taken on a journey through time, exploring ancient civilizations that once flourished in the region, including the Hittites, Assyrians, Arameans, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs.

One of the museum's highlights is its extensive collection of cuneiform tablets, which offer insights into the administrative and daily life of ancient Mesopotamia. The museum also showcases exquisite examples of Roman and Byzantine mosaics, unearthed from the ruins of nearby cities. The Islamic section includes a range of artifacts from the Umayyad and Ottoman periods, including intricately decorated manuscripts and textiles.

The National Museum of Aleppo faced significant threats during the Syrian Civil War, with concerns over the safety of its collections and the structure itself. However, efforts to protect and preserve the museum's contents have been ongoing, highlighting the cultural resilience and the importance of heritage even amidst conflict.