The genealogy of Haussmannization in the historic city of Aleppo

A case study about the overseas deployment of French urbanism

Abstract

Syrian historic city of Aleppo has developed as a great commercial center through the international trade for centuries. Under the growing capitalism in the 20C, some development projects were carried out inside the old city that are not yet verified exactly. In this paper, I make clear the spatial transformation of Aleppo through the genealogical study of Haussmannization. The construction project of modern road was already appeared in the first master plan of R.Danger. M. Ecochard revised it just from the viewpoint of the historic monuments. After the independence, A. Gutton drew up a detailed plan for the development project. But he implied he was obsessed with proprietors. G. Banshoya's policy was to limit the construction in the old city. However, development pressure was so strong that some roads from the age of Danger were finally adopted even in his plan.