Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo reopens for Taraweeh prayers after 12 years

In the city of Aleppo, Syria, the historic Umayyad Mosque, which was restored with the support of the Ministry of Endowments, hosted its first Taraweeh prayer in 12 years. The mosque, heavily damaged by regime forces' attacks in 2013, underwent restoration work that took approximately three months. After the completion of restoration in certain areas, the first Taraweeh and Isha prayers of Ramadan were performed in the mosque. The mosque's courtyard was filled with worshippers. Citizens, experiencing the joy of worship after a long break, shared emotional moments. The Ministry of Endowments carried out meticulous restoration work on the mosque, which had been damaged in the attacks. Engineer Fevvaz Hilal, the Restoration Committee Officer, stated that after the completion of the first phase of restoration and maintenance, the mosque was reopened for Isha and Taraweeh prayers. Hilal mentioned that they responded to the citizens' requests to pray in the mosque and added that work would continue to fully complete the restoration and maintenance efforts. Mahmud Azize, who had migrated from Aleppo in 2016 due to regime attacks, returned to the city after its liberation and emphasized that he prayed Taraweeh in the Umayyad Mosque, which reopened after 12 years. Azize noted that a large part of the mosque was damaged but was reopened for worship after restoration. The Umayyad Mosque, considered one of Aleppo's historical symbols, is an important example of Islamic architecture and has hosted many civilizations over the centuries.