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Citadel of Aleppo to be reconstructed in 2018, official says

The citadel is the most important historic landmark in the city of Aleppo, Director of the citadel complex Ahmed Gharib said

© AP Photo/Hassan Ammar

ALEPPO /Syria/, August 16. /TASS/. The Citadel in Syria’s Aleppo - one of the oldest castles in the world - will be reconstructed in 2018, Director of the citadel complex Ahmed Gharib told reporters on Thursday.

"The citadel is the most important historic landmark in the city of Aleppo. Located on a hill, the citadel also has strategic importance so militants sought to seize it," he said.

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According to the complex director, Syrian troops held the line for three years, deterring militant attacks and saving the historical site from destruction.

"Nevertheless, the citadel suffered damage, so reconstruction work is currently underway," Gharib said, adding that "it is expected to be fully reconstructed in a year."

Director of Aleppo’s historical agencies Akram Karakela, in turn, said that the castle’s reconstruction would cost about 100 mln Syrian liras ($200,000).

He noted that the Syrian government was managing the reconstruction of the citadel, which was part of the Ancient City of Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some international organizations are also participating in the reconstruction work and UNESCO is providing assistance.

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