Memory Statement

Paul Megarbane', interviewed by Andre Yacoubian

September 2019

My father had an office and a factory in Khan al-Wazir, where I used to accompany him to as a child. On our daily walk to work, we would always go to Bab al-Faraj post office to open our mailbox, grab the letters and continue the way by tram or walking until we arrived at Khan al-Wazir.

Our factory was relocated several times within the Khan itself. I remember in the beginning, the factory used to be positioned in the northern part; now demolished to widen the street leading from the Umayyad mosque to the citadel. It is told that the former alley used to be so narrow that you could touch both sides of its walls with your hands as you walked. And so, parts of the Khan and a large portion of the opposite building (Matbakh al-Ajami) were demolished in order to facilitate the accessibility to some houses.

After the acquisition of our shops in Khan al-Wazir, we received small government compensation and moved to the khan’s salon; a very good large square hall located just above the entrance. We went up from one of the two parallel stairs, one on each side of the Khan. We continued our work in this salon for about a year and a half before we moved to the western facade where I am still today.

I have many beautiful memories in this Khan visiting the small textile factory, which used to belong to my father and uncle. They had two of the first weaving looms in Aleppo, with a license to practice this profession in the Khan despite the looms’ loud noise. I can still hear the looms’ sound in my head today! How I could tell whether they were working or not even while sitting away in the office.

Our family products were well known as Atlas (Satin weave) Megarbane. In Aleppo, the bride’s apparel usually included garments made of famous Megarbane’s satin, because of its soft and robust quality. In addition to the textile industry we practiced general trade. My grandfather sold goods from satin and cotton fabric, of which a large sum was being exported to Mosul, Iraq.

One of my distant memories is when the demand for our products increased and we were distributing our load of work to some qaysariyyas that have looms in them, to increase our production. There is a special craftsmanship to work on the loom where the worker sits in front of his tools and puts his feet in a hole underneath to lift and lower the strands using his hands to alternate between left and right in order to weave.

Many things have changed in front of the Khan, including the demolition of al-qaysariyya in front of the entrance and the closure of the water well beside the entrance. There was a water tank opening near the door of our factory that was also closed.

Later, my office served as the Swiss consulate. In 2008 & 2009 I organised Syrian-Swiss events and festivals sponsored by Aleppo’s Governorate and the Swiss Embassy in Damascus, such as fashion shows, exhibitions, cultural and artistic gatherings. There is a huge open courtyard in front of the consulate, in which up to 600 people can sit comfortably. A music band from Switzerland held a beautiful concert there once. Colorful lighting during the artistic performances created a very romantic beautiful and serene atmosphere, highlighting the architectural beauty of the arches, columns and open space. Nowadays, the Khan is abandoned due to the war. Its stone and trees no longer give the same impact as before. Unfortunately, it is in a bad condition.

A few days ago, I went to the Khan to make several arrangements but could not bear to stay inside for more than 45 minutes. My heart is sad and in pain. I have witnessed the Khan in its days of glory. Now, all you see is your belongings scattered, thrown to the ground. I do not advise anyone to visit their shattered home. I cannot do anything for the Khan by myself, because I am not the only one who works here. The official interest in the place is not of a priority at the moment due to the immense work required for the old city of Aleppo, which is a very large area. I hope the Khan receives its well-deserved attention from those interested in World Heritage to restore it to its full potential.

Paul Megarbane'