Ibrahim Pasha Barracks (Al-Kishleh)

Ibrahim Pasha Barracks Built by Ibrahim Pasha, these barracks are situated to the north and east of the Citadel, overlooking its interior. From the north, they offer a magnificent view of Aleppo’s old quarters. The rectangular building was constructed by Ibrahim Pasha using stones from the sloped fortifications at the base of the Citadel, a fact noted in an inscription on the building’s facade. Inside, the structure consists of two rows of pointed arches forming an arcade, supported by square pillars running from west to east. The ceiling features twisted wooden beams, which were previously reinforced with a reinforced concrete slab above the wooden supports during a renovation. The barracks have two entrances on the south side, accessed via several steps, and another entrance on the north. The doorways are topped with documentary inscriptions in Persian script and Ottoman writing. Originally built to accommodate 2,000 soldiers, it was the first regular barracks in Aleppo after the Ottoman era. Today, the barracks are being transformed into a heritage police academy that teaches the history of military discipline. A portion of the barracks was converted into a Citadel museum in 1996, housing archaeological discoveries from the Citadel..