Salam: Interfaith Architecture and Civic Healing in the Heart of Aleppo

Designing a project in one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities presents a unique responsibility—one that compels the architect to engage with an incredibly rich and multi-layered cultural and architectural heritage. For this reason, architect Eman Tulimat delved deep into the collective memory of Aleppo, exploring its urban fabric through historical research, demographic study, and the embedded symbolism of its architectural traditions. Aleppo’s built environment is not just a backdrop but a living archive of civilizations, especially reflected in its religious structures. These buildings, ranging from mosques and churches to synagogues, each narrate a particular era, belief system, and societal value. The spiritual geography of Aleppo formed the foundation upon which this project took root.

At the heart of this visionary design lies a sacred yet inclusive space that brings together three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Islam, and Christianity—under a single roof. The proposal comprises a synagogue, a mosque, and a church, placed adjacently yet connected through a central communal hall. This gathering space is designed not only for interreligious dialogue and shared ceremonies but also as a sanctuary for those of no faith, emphasizing shared human values over doctrinal divisions. This form of interfaith architecture is a bold statement in favor of unity, inclusion, and civic resilience in a post-conflict urban context.

The architectural language reflects a blend of the old and the new. Drawing inspiration from Aleppo’s historic arches, the project reinterprets them with a modern sensibility—featuring clean geometry, rhythmic structural repetition, and warm materiality. Transparency in design is achieved not only through glass facades but also through the openness of its spatial programming. The building rises adjacent to the ancient citadel, establishing a visual and philosophical dialogue between past and future, memory and renewal.

Beyond its religious functions, the building is positioned as a cultural and social beacon that embodies values of non-violence, equity, and mutual understanding. The project is rooted in a commitment to civic ethics: promoting a culture of peace, fostering solidarity among diverse groups, and respecting individual and collective identities. It rejects religious tokenism in favor of meaningful representation—creating a platform for public conversations, spiritual learning, and healing. Through its layered intent, the design aspires to become more than architecture; it seeks to be a lasting symbol of hope, reconciliation, and shared human dignity in the heart of Aleppo.

Project by Eman Tulimat

Shortlisted entry of the “Memory” competition