Armenians renovate ancient school in Syria’s Aleppo
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – The Archbishop of Diocese of the Armenian Church of Damascus announced on Monday starting the process of renovating the Kilikia Armenian School in the city of Aleppo, northwestern Syria.
The school was devastated during the war between the Syrian government forces and the armed opposition factions.
Armas Nalbandian, Primate of the Diocese of Damascus, said the renovation comes on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and its renovation symbolizes the existence of Armenians and the continuity of a new generation.
The Kilikia School went out of service at the beginning of 2013 due to the control of the armed opposition factions over parts of the Jdeideh neighborhood in Aleppo, and the fierce battles against government forces until early 2017.
The Armenians built the Kilikia School in 1921 and is considered the first educational school for the Armenians.
Parts of the school and its facilities were destroyed due to the fighting between the conflicting parties. It remained under government control until the Armenian Church resumed renovation work in 2018.
Ziad Salloum, director of Kilikia Ancient School, said the school is one of the oldest Armenian school and one of the first schools that teach the Arabic language alongside Armenian language curricula.
Kilikia School specialized in primary education from the age of 6 to 12. It is in the ancient neighbourhood within the old city of Aleppo.
The conflict between government forces and armed opposition factions has resulted in the severe destruction of Syria’s infrastructure and has caused significant displacement among minority ethnic groups.
The school is likely to be returned to service at the beginning of the new academic year, 2024-2025.