Heartbreaking Before-And-After Photos Of Aleppo, Syria

Aleppo, Syria was once a bustling city full of economic opportunities and tourism. With its thriving market, ancient mosque, and picturesque citadel, Aleppo was oncea hub of cultural diversity and historic sights. It was even named the "Islamic Capital of Culture" in 2006

But what began when security forces open fired on peaceful anti-government demonstration back in 2011 has now snow balled into the destructive civil war. ISIS have had a role in the city's destruction as well.

Over the last few years, the combination war has torn Syria apart, reducing the splendour of Aleppo to a sad shadow of its former self.

"Before the civil war began, Aleppo was Syria's largest city [population 2.3 million]," RT correspondent Murad Gazdievreported.

"It is really something of a mixing pot; you had all sorts living together there – Assyrians, Kurds, Arabs, Armenians, Turks, all living together peacefully."

"Before the war, the city's ancient splendor and cultural diversity made it a source "of hundreds of thousands of tourists; there was also business, industry, finance, jobs – it was a bustling metropolis. And then of course, the civil war began…"

Sadly, not one corner of the beautiful city has escaped the conflict unscathed. And Aleppo's citizens have suffered also. Various rebel groups have been known to rob, mug, and even kill any civilian that happened to cross their path. And the Syrian government hasn't shown much respect for human life either.

"Mass executions in Aleppo were not a rarity, – they weren't a unique thing. They happened often" Gazdiev says.

At one point, rebels actually turned off electricity and water supplies to the entire city, because they couldn't just [turn off] the government-controlled areas – so they disconnected everything, even areas that they controlled.
So is it at all surprising that so many people fled Aleppo?