Suweiqat Khanqah

The Suweiqa Khanqah in Aleppo is one of the city’s most significant historical Sufi lodges, located in the old quarter, known as Suweiqa Aleppo or Souq al-Suweiqa, one of the oldest souqs in the city. The Suweiqa Khanqah was established during the Mamluk or Ottoman era, likely dating back to the fourteenth or fifteenth century. It served as a gathering place for Sufi orders and was home to numerous Sufi zawiyas, playing a vital role in Aleppo’s religious and social life. Khanqah was closely linked to a major commercial hub Souq al-Suweiqa, which added its importance as a spiritual and business conversation center. It was the place of worship and religious education, especially for Sufi orders such as Naqshbandi and Qadiri orders. Khanqah provided shelter and social and spiritual assistance to the poor, students and Sufis. It was also a meeting site for scholars and mystics, where lectures, religious ceremonies and Mawlids were held. As an integral part of Aleppo’s historical urban fabric, Khanqah was deeply connected to the economic and social life of Souq al-Suweiqa. It is specific to chanting Allah Hay especially to train artisans, while synchronizing the cloth rhythm with spiritual invocation. Architecturally, it introduces stone engraving and arches that reflect Mamluk Islamic art, especially in its entrance and columns. One of its most specific elements is its polygonal dome, unfortunately, suffered losses during recent incidents in Syria. However, in 2019, it was revived as a silk weaving workshop, teaching widows teaching widows the craft of traditional fabric weaving.