Attachments
GENERAL CONTEXT OF SHEIKH MAQSOUD AND ASHRAFIYA NEIGHBORHOODS:
Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya are located in the northwestern part of Aleppo city. Ashrafiya is a densely populated neighborhood, historically serving as a commercial and service center before the war. It is connected to areas such as the Youth Housing and Bani Zaid neighborhoods. Sheikh Maqsoud, located adjacent to Ashrafiya, is known for its diverse population, including a large Kurdish community, and has suffered from long-standing structural neglect. Both neighborhoods were outside of Syrian government control from 2011 until late 2024. During this period, they were subjected to severe and prolonged sieges by government forces and allied militias. This context has shaped the social and economic fabric of both neighborhoods, contributing to their current challenges.
The demographic makeup of both neighborhoods is diverse, with a mix of Kurds, Arabs, and smaller communities of Syriacs, Armenians, and Mardelis. In addition, there is a significant number of displaced people from other areas in Aleppo and its countryside. The total population of the two neighborhoods is approximately 400,000, with 50,000 households. Of these, 70% are host community members, 20% are internally displaced persons (IDPs), and 10% are returnees. This diversity in both ethnic and religious backgrounds, including Muslims, Christians, and Yazidis, has added to the cultural richness of the neighborhoods, although it also adds to the complexity of their social cohesion needs.