By Angus McDowall

ALEPPO, Syria (Reuters) – In the rubble-strewn square outside Aleppo’s ancient citadel and under the scorched vaults of its covered souk, workmen are starting to mend the destruction of a war that has shattered the Syrian city’s priceless historical heritage.

About 20 volunteers sorted through the debris in Khan al-Gumruk, one of the souk’s great medieval inns, piling up the stones from a fallen archway that can be used in its restoration.

“I’m a son of this district. We’re all from Aleppo and our priority is to work here. We’ve been at it for a month in this area since the fighters left,” said Mohannad Hassari, a bearded 25-year-old.

About 30 percent of the Old City suffered “catastrophic” damage in the fighting that ended there in December, said Maamoun Abdulkarim, Syria’s director general of antiquities.

Speaking to Reuters after his first visit to the city since the rebels were forced to surrender there, he said officials were working on a plan to save what they can.

The Aga Khan Development Network’s cultural arm, which was behind a multi-million dollar restoration and urban development project around the Citadel and nearby souks a decade ago, said it was also looking at possible rehabilitation of the area.

Aleppo is one of the Middle East’s great historic centres, its ancient Citadel and medieval mosques and souks among the region’s finest buildings and a source of national pride – and tourist revenue – for Syria.

MORE:   http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/in-the-rubble–aleppo-s-citizens-work-to-save-battered-heritage/42957758