History Khan al-Sabil
basalt door of ancient structure in khan al-sabil, pre-1903
the village contains several ancient ruins; among them buildings doors made of basalt. doors largest of kind in greater aleppo region. decorated christian symbols. in 20th century, 2 of these doors part of buildings still used khan al-sabil s residents.
khan al-sabil located on ancient caravan route , named after old khan (caravanserai) of same name located in village. modern village built around khan, established in 1371 bahri mamluk ruler of syria, al-malik al-ashraf. upkeep , amenities financed waqf (islamic religious trust). khan fell disuse in first years of 20th century, or perhaps earlier.
during syrian civil war, khan al-sabil served military headquarters hazzm movement, rebel outfit fighting against syrian government. village taken on al-qaeda-linked group, nusra front, following victory on hazzm movement in area.
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