Wedding traditions of Aleppo
The northern Syrian city whose sung qudud and fine sweets once filled every wedding.
Aleppo is known for the qudud halabiya, a repertoire of sung poems with set tunes, and for its cooking. Weddings traditionally included a singer, a procession and a long table of local foods. The old city and its great souk were heavily damaged in the war.
A wedding here
In Aleppine families the henna night and the contract are held at home, with singers performing the qudud. Festive foods include kibbeh, stuffed vine leaves and syrup sweets. The bride's trousseau is shown to guests.
After the war
The wartime destruction and displacement scattered families and many weddings are now held in Lebanon, Turkey or Europe. Rebuilt halls and the restored old city mark a recovery for those who return.
Wedding customs of Aleppo
Also part of it, and being written: Qudud Halabiya (The Aleppine sung poem.), Zaffe (The wedding procession.), Mahr (The bridal gift.), Aleppo (The city and its heritage.).
A wedding trail idea for Aleppo
- Citadel of Aleppo The great fortress.
- Al-Madina Souq The old covered market, damaged and being rebuilt.
- Jdeideh quarter The Christian quarter with historic houses.
Written by the EveryShaadi desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, venues and wedding-season dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
Nothing matches those filters yet. Take one off, or check back: new traditions are written every day.