Home Business for Development Reviving the Business Climate and Boosting Tourism in Deir Ezzor

Reviving the Business Climate and Boosting Tourism in Deir Ezzor

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Implementing Partner: State Planning Commission
Practice Area: Poverty Reduction
Total Budget: US$ 180,000 + Emaar Syria US$ 24,000 (resource mobilization)
Duration: 2 years (April 2008 – Mar 2010)
Status: Merged with Project SYR /05/013
Location: Deir Ezzor

Description / Overview:
This project will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Norlh-Eastern region in Syria by reviving the business life of the six Old Souks in Deir Ezzor which are very old (1856) and used to play a major commercial role during Ottoman occupation through nourishing the business and economic activities between Syria and other neighboring countries. The historical and commercial value of the Old Souks started to diminish
due to the lack of adequate maintenance and perseverance of the cultural heritage which lead to the collapse of several parts of the Souk and consequently the migration of the business communities. This had also lead to the gradual disappearance of the old handicrafk industries which are unique for this area. Hence the cultural and historical value of the Old Souks in Deir Ezzor had also gradually diminished and presently, the souks are mupied by butchers and carpenters who replaced the cultural handicrafts entrepreneurs.


Objectives:

Through the renovation of the Old historical Souks, the project aims to turning the area into a commercial destination and an income generating market venue through: retaining the old commercial business role that Deir Ezzor used to play in the region and revive the cultural industries that are unique in the area and most importantly attract the tourists, taking into consideration the presence of other important historical areas: the Suspended Bridge and the Old Roman Ruins in Halabieh and Zalabieh. Considering that the comprehensive planning for tourism development will equally result in boosting economic growth, societal upgrade, sustainable employment, and thus poverty reduction in the region, the project will concentrate on three outputs as per the followings:
  • A study on reviving the business climate in Deir Ezzor through the restoration of the Old Souks and its invaluable historical heritage edge.
  • Enhancing the capacity of national authorities and local communities on preserving the city as a cultural hub and the promotion of traditional products
  • Technical advice on the value of the Roman Ruins in and the potential impact of constructing a dam near Halabya & Zalabyia ruins, as well as, provide a technical advice on Restoration of the Suspended Bridge and its lighting system.
Target Beneficiaries:
  • Private Sector
  • Local Communities

Implementation Strategy:
  • Assessment study to restore the Old Souks and preserve its cultural value by re-establishing the link with the Old Palace.
  • Preparing a study on the recommendation and instruction that should be followed to preserve the historical value of the Old Souks in addition to suggesting a detailed workplan for monitoring and evaluating these processes.
  • Prepare detailed study on the environmental and cultural impacts of establishing a dam in historical area (Zalabiey and Halabiey).
  • Assessing the risk of establishing this dam in the area.
  • Two workshops to present the studies related to the Suspended Bridge and Old Markets rehabilitation.


Achievements / Current Status:
  • The project was signed between SPC and UNDP on April 2008.
  • UNESCO expert undertook a mission to Deir Ezzor and conducted an assessment exercise of the conservation state, rehabilitation and restoration needs of Deir Ezzor Suspended Bridge.
  • studies that cover the project outputs: Lightening and Maintenance of the suspended bridge, Study on the impact of establishing a dam near to the Halabeya and Zalabeya Ruins and Study on the Restoration of the Ottoman Gate and the Old Souqs has been prepared by UNESCO experts.
  • In cooperation with Emaae Syria, A study on the future perspective of the Old Souqs has been prepared
  • Restoration works of the ottoman gate at the old souqs completed.
  • Launching the project activities on 18 December 2008.
  • Opening Ceremonies of the Ottoman Gate took place in Deir Ezzor on 18th December 2008.

Partnerships:
  • Private Sector (EMAAR)
  • UN Agency: UNESCO
  • Government: SPC, MoTourism, Deir Ezzor Governorate.
  • Deir Ez Zor Chamber of commerce and Industry

Project Documents Link:
National Project Director (NPD): Fadi Hajji Hamoud
UNDP Project Management: Business for Development Team
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Last update of project information: Dec 2008