Beit Wakil, Aleppo — a 1603 Courtyard Mansion Turned Hotel & Restaurant in Al-Jdeideh

In the heart of Aleppo's Al-Jdeideh quarter, behind a plain stone door, stands one of the city's most storied houses: Beit Wakil. A mansion more than four centuries old, it has lived many lives — a home, an elderly home, an orphanage — and reopened as a hotel and restaurant around a marble fountain and bitter-orange trees. Here's its story, its architecture and what's nearby.

The house's story

• An inscription in its reception hall dates Beit Wakil to 1603, when its first owner was Issa bin Boutros.
• Over time its use changed: it was a private home, then an elderly home, then a Greek Orthodox orphanage.
• In 1990 it was restored into a small boutique hotel (about five rooms) around a marble fountain and bitter-orange trees, with a restaurant serving Aleppine dishes.

The house sits on Sissi Street in Al-Jdeideh — the same quarter that holds Aleppo's most famous heritage houses and restaurants.

Aleppine architecture

Beit Wakil is a living example of the classic Aleppine house: a sky-open courtyard with a marble fountain, citrus and jasmine; an open iwan onto the court; reception halls with carved wooden ceilings; yellow Aleppo stone, carved detail and painted woodwork (*ajami*). The whole design looks inward — calm and private, away from the lane.

Dining

Beit Wakil's restaurant serves classic Aleppine cooking in the setting of the old mansion — cherry kebab, the many kinds of kibbeh, Aleppine fatteh and stuffed vegetables. Sitting by the fountain is an experience in itself. See the Syrian food guide.

Honestly — check first

Al-Jdeideh came through years of war and restoration; some houses and hotels have reopened and some have not. We confirm whether Beit Wakil is operating (hotel/restaurant) before we arrange your visit, and find the best alternative in the quarter if needed.

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Read more: Al-Jdeideh quarter · the Great Mosque of Aleppo · Aleppo's covered souk · Aleppo travel guide

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In Arabic: بيت وكيل في حلب

Wherever your road leads, we'll get you there.

Sources: Wakeel House — Syrian Treasures · Al-Jdayde — Wikipedia