Once a key stopover on the spice route between Asia and Europe, it became famous for its bustling souks, fine restaurants, talented chefs and sophisticated cuisine.
Such was its reputation as a culinary centre, it became the first port of call for food writer James Brennan when he embarked on an eating and writing tour of the Middle East in the summer of 2010. Then Syria fell into civil war. The following is a testament to the generosity, warmth and good humour of the people of Aleppo - and their excellent food.
