THE FOODIST / ONCE PROUD ALEPPO RESTAURANT IN TATTERS

 

Before and after of the Olympia Restaurant in Aleppo, Syria

GUEST BLOG / By PillartoPost.org correspondent, Damascus--The Olympia Restaurant in Aleppo, Syria, was once operated on Pennsylvania Street in the city, a notable area for its historical landmarks and vibrant culture. 

Unfortunately, it suffered severe damage during the Syrian civil war, as part of widespread destruction across Aleppo's urban fabric. The restaurant became an emblem of the city's cultural loss after its iconic building was destroyed. No confirmed reports are indicating that the Olympia Restaurant has been rebuilt or reopened at the original site or elsewhere. 

While other establishments in Aleppo have resumed operations in different forms, the Olympia appears to remain a poignant reminder of the city's challenging recovery process. Now that Syrian rebels have invaded Aleppo there is no telling if the shelling will resume. 

 The rebel forces that invaded Aleppo on November 29, 2024, were primarily led by Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist militant group. They were joined by other Turkish-backed factions as part of a coordinated offensive against pro-government forces in northwestern Syria. 

This offensive marked the first significant fighting in Aleppo since its recapture by government forces in 2016. The rebels have reportedly captured significant parts of the city amidst heavy clashes.  

Western news sources report some units of the Syrian Army are leaving Aleppo.