Cultural restoration

The nearby Al Qaisaryah market was packed with shops whose owners and neighbors were known for recounting timeless legends of the wedding jewelry of doomed lovers and jealous mothers-in-law. Little is left of it.

Also lying in ruins is the Pasha's Palace, a landmark partly dating back to the 13th century, which housed a museum and whose treasures are now gone.

"When we talk about heritage and culture, we are not merely talking about an old building or ancient stones. Every stone tells a story," said al-Dahdar.