Aleppo, Syria: History, Location, and Impact of Conflict

Aleppo is a major city in northwestern Syria, approximately 355 km (221 miles) north of Damascus. Situated near the Turkish border, it is Syria's second-largest city after the capital. Historically, Aleppo has been a vital administrative, cultural, and commercial hub for the region. However, the prolonged Syrian conflict has caused extensive damage to its infrastructure and cultural heritage, including the ancient Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.