After years of devastation caused by conflict, the historic Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo, Syria, has once again echoed with the call to prayer, marking a significant moment of resilience and hope. Reported by France Twenty Four on Sunday, this symbolic event signifies a step towards rebuilding and restoration amidst the ruins left by years of turmoil.

Initiated by the government's efforts to revive the destroyed mosques, a special Iftar event was organized at the mosque premises on Saturday. Over one and a half thousand people from various areas of Aleppo gathered to participate in the event. Amidst the remnants of the mosque, worshippers came together to offer prayers and break their fast, signifying the enduring spirit of unity and faith in the face of adversity.

The Umayyad Mosque, once a magnificent symbol of Syria's rich cultural heritage, fell victim to the conflict that ravaged the country, particularly during the onslaught of the Islamic State (IS) in 2012. The civil war, which began in 2011, plunged Syria into instability, with violent clashes between government forces and rebel groups. The rise of IS further exacerbated the destruction, leading to the demolition of many historic structures, including mosques.

Despite the significant damage, efforts towards reconstruction and restoration have been underway since the Syrian government regained control of Aleppo in 2016. Supported by financial assistance from the government of Chechnya, initiatives to rebuild the Umayyad Mosque and other historical landmarks are gradually bringing hope for a brighter future amidst the scars of the past.