Central Synagogue of Aleppo
Synagogue Historic Aleppo synagogue and former center of Jewish community
Aleppo’s Central Synagogue held centuries of Jewish worship and communal life; scholars and visitors note its architectural detail and importance to Syrian Jewish heritage, despite wartime damage.
The Central Synagogue of Aleppo, often called the Great Synagogue of Aleppo, was a historic synagogue located in Aleppo’s Old City and long served as the religious and communal center of the city’s Jewish community. It is one of the best known Jewish sites in Syria due to its age and cultural importance.
The building dates back through the medieval period with multiple reconstructions and expansions over centuries; it housed important community objects, most notably the Aleppo Codex for many centuries. The synagogue suffered severe damage during anti‑Jewish violence in 1947 and again sustained major destruction during fighting in the Syrian civil war in the 21st century.
The synagogue stood within Aleppo’s Old City, in the area that historically contained the city’s Jewish quarter. Its remains and status reflect the broader history of Aleppo’s once‑large Jewish community and the effects of conflict on the Old City.
- Aleppo Codex: The Aleppo Codex, a medieval Hebrew manuscript of great significance, was kept in the synagogue for centuries before being removed to Israel in the mid 20th century.
How to Get to Central Synagogue of Aleppo #
Aleppo’s old city is the historic core of the modern city; in normal times the synagogue would be reached on foot from central Aleppo streets. Due to recent and ongoing security issues in Syria, verify access and conditions via official travel advisories and local contacts before attempting to visit.
Tips for Visiting Central Synagogue of Aleppo #
- If attempting to learn about the synagogue's history, consult pre-war community records and the Aleppo Jewish diaspora organizations.
- Many heritage sites in Aleppo were damaged during conflict; verify current site status and safety before travel.
- Local guides and heritage NGOs can often provide more complete histories and visual archives than on-site signage.
Best Time to Visit Central Synagogue of Aleppo #
Visit in mild seasons; check security and cultural heritage advisories prior to travel.
Weather & Climate near Central Synagogue of Aleppo #
Central Synagogue of Aleppo's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 35°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 57 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 29°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.