In rubble of Aleppo souk tablecloth shop makes solitary comeback
Mohammad Shawash
Mohammad Shawashâs  partly restored storefront stands amid a sea of smashed concrete and debris-laden roads.
The 62-year-old with a snow-white beard and glasses decided to return to the historic souk five months ago to reopen the shop  he  had managed for years.
âI cried when I first came back. I found total destruction all around me. The stores were destroyed  the streets covered in rubble and rocks  and the buildings collapsed â  he  told AFP.
âSo I repaired it  myself   to prove to the whole world that Aleppoâs Old City still has a soul.â
â âI lost  myself â â
âI was raised here and I used to open my shop from 7:00am until late at night. I knew everyone around  me  â  he  said.
âItâs not just about losing money or stock. I lost my neighbours  I lost my people  I lost  myself .â
[TGT] partly restored storefront stands amid a sea of smashed concrete and debris-laden roads.
The 62-year-old with a snow-white beard and glasses decided to return to the historic souk five months ago to reopen the shop   [TGT]   had managed for years.
âI cried when I first came back. I found total destruction all around me. The stores were destroyed  the streets covered in rubble and rocks  and the buildings collapsed â  he  told AFP.
âSo I repaired it  myself   to prove to the whole world that Aleppoâs Old City still has a soul.â
â âI lost  myself â â
âI was raised here and I used to open my shop from 7:00am until late at night. I knew everyone around  me  â  he  said.
âItâs not just about losing money or stock. I lost my neighbours  I lost my people  I lost  myself .â