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"To Prevent Aleppans from Worshipping Idols: What Really Happened in Saadallah Al-Jabri Square?"
In a move that sparked mixed reactions, the authorities of Aleppo undertook the demolition of the Martyrs Memorial in Saadallah Al-Jabri Square, one of the city’s most historic and significant artworks. Just before midnight between Wednesday and Thursday, the statue was removed. This action was preceded by an official statement claiming that it was "part of a plan to rehabilitate the square," and that the statue would be relocated to another site "to protect and restore it" by specialized experts.
However, official statements conflicted with the reality, as it became evident that the removal amounted to a complete destruction of the monument. The statue was removed in a crude manner, without regard for its historical symbolism, which drew heavy criticism from residents and activists alike.
A statement from the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums in Aleppo clarified that this measure was part of the governorate’s plan to expand the space and enhance public events and activities. This was used to justify the “relocation” of the statue. Yet, evidence suggests that the statue was deliberately destroyed without consulting or following technical guidelines, raising questions about the government’s true intentions behind the act.
The statue, crafted by the Aleppan artist Abdul Rahman, was installed in 1986 and symbolizes the martyrs, resistance against the French occupation, and the liberation of Syria from colonialism. News of its destruction has sparked widespread outrage and resentment, especially considering that the artwork carries deep national and human symbolism. It had been a dialogue with generations of Syrians for over thirty years.
The open question remains: what were the true motives behind this destruction? Was it genuinely aimed at rehabilitating the square, or are there deeper dimensions involving efforts to erase history and national identity—particularly amid public discontent over how symbols of the homeland and its artistic heritage are being treated?
