In Syria, parts of the 13th century Souk , the marketplace of Aleppo were set ablaze in the fighting between the Syrian troops and the rebel fighters. The medieval marketplace is located at the heart of Citadel which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Fires swept through parts of the 13th century market place in the heart of Citadel in Aleppo, a UNESCO World heritage site on Friday night. Local residents were struggling to contain the fire which gutted hundreds of wooden door shops in flames. The blaze was sparked off by the clashes between Syrian troops and rebels and destroyed the traditional shops which used to sell food, fabrics, perfume and spices for centuries. The medieval ara Souk or the market place , stretching over several kilometres around the13th century citadel, once bustled with shoppers and tourists.

But after intense shelling and fighting in the area for over a month, it stands almost closed as both the Syrian forces and the rebels are trying to bring the city in their control.The incident has been described as one of the worst blows to the commercial hub of Syria.