Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, Islamic clock tower in central Aleppo, Syria.
The Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower is a 28-meter tall structure featuring four identical facades and decorative muqarnas elements in its upper section. The design combines functional purpose with ornamental details in a balanced way.
The tower was built in 1898 by French architect Charles Chartier and Syrian engineer Bakr Sidqi under Ottoman administration. It marked a turning point in Aleppo's urban modernization during the late Ottoman period.
The structure blends Islamic minaret design with European timekeeping technology, reflecting how Aleppo embraced modern practices in the early 1900s. It became a gathering point and a symbol of the city's connection to the wider world.
The tower stands near the National Library and serves as a central landmark for orientation in downtown Aleppo. Visitors can easily use it as a reference point when exploring the historic city center.
The two craftsmen represented different traditions, a fact reflected in the blend of Eastern and Western design elements that emerged from their work. This unlikely partnership created a structure that still displays this cross-cultural bridge today.
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