Aleppo, on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad, the Secretary- General of the Presidency of the Republic, Mansour Azzam, and the Minister of Culture, Lubana Mashouh, participated in the reopening of four traditional markets in the old city of Aleppo, after being rehabilitated and restored from the damage caused by terrorism. The Aleppo Lighthouse, affiliated of the Syrian Trust for Development was also officially launched. The reopened markets are: al-ahmadiyah, al-hebal, al-Saqatiyah II and al-Haddadin that were subjected to intense restoration works during the past year, in order to recover their vitality and functionality, for their important role not only in revitalizing Aleppo's economy but also to preserve its cultural and historical heritage. The reopening had a massive participation of the local community, including merchants and industrialists, as well as representatives of the Syrian Trust for Development and various government entities and NGONS. The number of commercial stores rebuilt amounted to approximately 159 stores, which add up to those that had been previously rehabilitated, while work is being carried out to restore the 37 old markets of the city of Aleppo, which contains approximately 24 authentic Syrian crafts. In a statement to reporters, Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic Mansour Azzam explained that the restoration workers were carried out thanks to the efforts of the people of Aleppo and the Syrian Trust for Development, with the direct support and supervision of President Bashar al-Assad. This work was completed thanks to the firmness and participation of the people of Aleppo, which has a strong will through which terrorism could overcome and start the wheel of life again, he said. For her part, Culture Minister Labana Mashouh said that life is returning to Aleppo's markets thanks to all the efforts made and the cooperation of all parties who restored, supported and worked day and night to bring back to life these beautiful markets that tell stories. This is a g reat effort that we hope will include all the affected Syrian cities, she said. Source: Syrian Arab News Agency