In this series of interviews, we meet the finalists shortlisted for the 2024 Women in Architecture and Construction Award. These women have made outstanding contributions to architecture and the built environment across the Near East and North Africa. The award features two categories: Rising Star and Woman of Outstanding Achievement.
This interview features Dr Hala Asslan, a Syrian architect and researcher who is an expert in heritage preservation. Her career has been dedicated to protecting cultural sites, particularly in conflict zones. She holds a PhD from the École Pratique des Hautes Études in Paris and has worked with international bodies such as ICOMOS and the United Nations Development Programme.
Here, Dr Hala Asslan will discuss her work in heritage preservation in conflict zones, particularly in Syria, addressing the challenges of post-conflict restoration, the impact of her projects on communities, her collaboration with international organisations, and her strategies for engaging local populations, while also sharing insights for young professionals in architecture.
Could you give us a brief introduction to yourself and your work?
As a Syrian academic, I specialize in the rehabilitation of historical Islamic buildings. My work, fueled by a deep passion for preserving Syrian cultural heritage, particularly in the aftermath of war-induced destruction, has made a significant impact. I’ve been fortunate to contribute to various rehabilitation projects and share my insights at international conferences in the Middle East and Europe, inspiring hope for the future of our cultural heritage.
JCI has recognised my work as a TOYP (Top Ten Young People) winner for Leadership and Academic Achievement, and the Arab Archaeologists Union has recognised my scientific excellence. As founder and CEO of al-Turath Studio, I’ve managed key rehabilitation projects, such as Souq Al-Maqbi in Deir Ez-Zor, and served as a consulting architect on the restoration of Souq Al-Saqatiyya in Aleppo, which won the ICCROM-Sharjah International Award for Best Practices in Cultural Heritage.
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on safeguarding Syria’s cultural heritage while empowering local communities and promoting the role of women in the reconstruction phase.
Tell us more about your current role and key responsibilities.
Currently, I lecture at the Syrian Virtual University, where I teach master’s students and supervise postgraduate theses, particularly in Building Information Modelling (BIM). My focus is on introducing and promoting HBIM (Historic Building Information Modelling) as a crucial tool for Syria’s post-war reconstruction, ensuring future architects are equipped with modern, efficient methods for heritage conservation. I also contribute as a member of the BIM Arabia Journal of Engineering Sciences editorial board.
As a consultant architect for the Syrian Engineers Syndicate, I oversee numerous architectural restoration projects. I am the Executive Director of al-Turath Office for Syrian Cultural Heritage, leading restoration projects for sites like the Sultan Ibrahim Adham Mosque and the Church of Our Lady in Latakia. In this capacity, I manage teams, coordinate with local authorities, and ensure the use of authentic materials and techniques to preserve the historical integrity of these buildings.
In my work with ICOMOS, I act as a consulting expert on World Heritage Sites, providing evaluations on the “Outstanding Universal Value” of nominated properties. I am also an active member of the Vernacular Architecture and Historic Towns and Villages committees, offering expertise on cultural heritage preservation across various regions.
As the Project Manager for the UNDP rehabilitation of Souq Al-Maqbi in Deir Ez-Zor, I am responsible for leading the entire rehabilitation process, from conducting historical and social studies to developing 2D and 3D architectural plans, preparing financial BOQs, and ensuring full cooperation with local authorities. I also coordinate the project’s timeline, manage resources, and ensure the implementation of modern technologies alongside traditional methods.
In all my roles, I strive to blend modern conservation practices with traditional methods, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage while meeting contemporary needs.
Your work on post-conflict heritage preservation is highly recognised. How do you approach the challenges of these restoration projects, and how do you measure their long-term success in architectural preservation and community revival? Can you also share a project that has had a lasting impact on the community?
Post-conflict restoration is a complex task that requires not only architectural rehabilitation but also social and economic revival. One of the most significant projects I led was the rehabilitation of Souq Al-Saqatiyya in Aleppo. This market, part of a network of historical souks, was moderately damaged during the war. The project was a pilot for post-war recovery in Aleppo, and it involved a collaborative, bottom-up approach, ensuring that historical accuracy was maintained using original materials and traditional building techniques.
Architecturally, we restored the tangible elements—the structures and designs that reflect the souk’s historical value. However, the project’s long-term success cannot be solely measured by the physical restoration. The socio-economic revival of the market has been slow. Many shopkeepers and business owners have not returned due to financial constraints or the broader destruction of surrounding neighbourhoods. The souk has lost a considerable portion of its clientele, such as tourists and residents from nearby towns.
That said, Souq Al-Saqatiyya has gained a new symbolic significance, becoming a representation of hope and resilience; as the first market was restored after the conflict, it set an example for future restoration projects in Aleppo. This pilot project highlighted the challenges of revitalising a historical commercial zone within a more extensive recovery process.
The societal impact was notable. The restoration received positive public responses, with many viewing it as a first step in the broader recovery of the Old City. The restoration of the souk also encouraged more projects to follow, building momentum for the restoration of Aleppo’s commercial heart.
Ultimately, such projects’ long-term success depends on architectural preservation and community revival. While restoring the market’s historical essence was crucial, the efforts to bring back economic activity, foster a sense of belonging, and re-establish the souk as a vibrant social hub are equally important. Integrating modern infrastructure, such as energy-efficient systems, with preserving historical aesthetics ensured that the market is adaptable for contemporary use while maintaining its heritage.
We have also been using Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) and digital mapping tools to document the changes and assess the impact of these restoration efforts. This technology preserves the site’s history and is valuable for ongoing monitoring and future conservation projects.
How do you balance academic research with on-the-ground conservation work?
Balancing academic research with on-the-ground conservation is challenging and rewarding. These two aspects complement each other: Research provides the theoretical framework, while practical work refines and enhances academic understanding.
Since 2018, I’ve focused on vernacular architecture and mud buildings in northern Syria, presenting my research at various international conferences, such as the University of Valencia in 2022 and Malmo University in 2021. My academic work at the Syrian Virtual University, particularly in supervising theses on Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM), has played a vital role in projects like rehabilitating Deir ez-Zor’s historic markets.
In Deir ez-Zor, my project focused on reviving traditional building styles that were on the verge of extinction, particularly mud structures, which are highly sustainable. The project included restoring “Nawamir” techniques for manufacturing white and black plaster, preserving a craft that has existed for over 5,000 years. This approach helped protect the heritage and created job opportunities for local artisans.
Additionally, we studied the site’s impact on the Euphrates River and climate change. This research allowed us to identify structural vulnerabilities and develop targeted rehabilitation strategies. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern HBIM tools provided a comprehensive, sustainable method for preserving the site’s historical and environmental integrity.
Public engagement is a critical component of heritage preservation. What strategies have you found most effective in mobilising local communities to participate in conservation efforts, and how do you measure the success of these initiatives?
Engaging local communities is essential for the long-term success of heritage preservation. Effective strategies ensure the local population feels a sense of ownership and responsibility toward their cultural heritage. Over the years, I have found several approaches that successfully mobilise communities and create lasting impacts:
- Inclusive community outreach: Reaching out to diverse groups, including residents, businesses, schools, and community organisations, is key to building trust. Listening to their concerns and incorporating their input strengthens their commitment to the project.
- Participatory planning: Involving the community in decision-making through workshops, surveys, and focus groups ensures preservation efforts align with local priorities and values.
- Collaborative partnerships: Partnering with local governments, non-profits, and businesses brings invaluable resources and expertise, enhancing the scope and sustainability of the efforts.
- Storytelling and education: Raising awareness about the cultural significance of heritage sites through tours, lectures, exhibitions, and workshops helps foster a deeper connection to the heritage and encourages community ownership.
- Volunteer opportunities: Offering hands-on opportunities, such as restoration projects or community clean-ups, empowers residents to participate actively in the preservation process.
- Social media campaigns: Using online platforms to raise awareness, provide updates, and invite community members to share their stories and photos enhances engagement and visibility.
To measure the success of these initiatives, I rely on the following metrics:
- Community engagement: Monitoring the number of event participants, volunteer activities, and social media interactions.
- Preservation outcomes: Assessing the completion rate of restoration projects and whether preservation goals are met.
- Economic impact: Evaluating growth in tourism, job creation, and the revitalisation of local businesses.
- Community perception: Conducting surveys to assess public attitudes towards preservation efforts and satisfaction with the results.
- Partnership effectiveness: Reviewing the strength and contributions of collaborations with local stakeholders and organisations.
By applying these strategies and measuring their outcomes, we can ensure that community-driven heritage preservation efforts are impactful and sustainable.
What are you most excited about pursuing in the next few years?
I’m eager to pursue several projects aiming to balance academic and professional roles despite the challenges posed by the war. My primary goals include advancing research on cultural heritage preservation and developing strategies for protection, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, focusing on World Heritage Sites.
One key project is documenting the damaged inscriptions and blazons in Aleppo’s Old City, dating back to the Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman eras. This involves collecting plans, photos, and historical drawings, assessing post-conflict damage, and establishing a foundation for future restoration efforts. The findings will be published for academic and educational use.
Another project involves completing my research on mud architecture in northern Syria and exploring its potential for sustainable tourism development. Using HBIM tools, I will create a comprehensive reference for researchers, available online and in print.
Lastly, I plan to develop a social media programme that introduces the region’s architectural heritage through oral narratives, engaging young people and challenging traditional stereotypes of heritage promotion.
Can you share a challenge you overcame that highlights your persistence?
In our daily work, we encounter numerous professional challenges, especially when working amidst war and its aftermath. Traveling between Syrian governorates poses a direct threat to our lives. As a working woman, I also face unique challenges. Balancing the roles of wife, homemaker, and mother to three young men studying medicine in a war-torn country has been incredibly difficult. Raising and educating them amid poor security and limited resources was a daunting task. However, I always strived to instill in them a love for their homeland and to nurture hope for a better future. Despite the long nights of anxiety and fear, I am immensely proud to see my children on the path to becoming successful doctors and contributing to the rebuilding of a better Syria.
Meet our other finalists: Amal Abuelhawa, Hana Alamuddin, Ula Merie, Eman Shafiq Mohamed Assi, Rozhen Kamal Mohammed-Amin, Sumaya Dabbagh, Lebriz Atan Karaatli, Rania Kaadan, Shatha Safi.
Meet Our Finalists series is a compilation of interviews with those who have been shortlisted for our awards. Hala Asslan is a finalist for the Women in Architecture and Construction Award, which recognises women who have made outstanding contributions to architecture and the built environment across the Near East and North Africa.