AANES constructs Abbasid-style archaeological gate in Raqqa
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Culture Board of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has initiated a project to construct an archaeological gate in Raqqa, northern Syria, an AANES official told North Press on Wednesday.
Murhaf al-Fahd, co-chair of the AANES’ Culture Board, said the gate’s design follows the Abbasid architectural style and aligns with the original structure of the city’s historic wall.
“The Culture Board of North and East Syria has begun constructing an archaeological gate at the entrance of al-Mansour Street, designed in the Abbasid style to align with the structure of the ancient wall,” al-Fahd added.
The project uses hand-made baked bricks produced in the furnaces of Herqleh, located in Raqqa’s western countryside. The initiative aims to restore the historical and aesthetic value of the city’s archaeological sites, particularly sections of the wall that were partially removed during street expansions under the former regime.
Al-Fahd emphasized that the gate’s design was developed in cooperation with archaeological experts from Raqqa and across North and East Syria to preserve the site’s historic character.
Restoration efforts are also underway to repair damage caused by years of conflict, weather, and humidity, in accordance with archaeological standards and UNESCO guidelines.
The Antiquities Protection Office is supervising the project at the highest level.
He pointed out that over the past three years, parts of the wall were at risk of complete collapse, with some areas reduced to rubble or used as waste dumps.
The Culture Board has since undertaken extensive maintenance, repairs, and reconstruction of collapsed sections, according to al-Fahd.
He added that while 40 percent of Raqqa’s historic wall was previously destroyed, ongoing restoration work has reduced the damage to approximately 10 percent.