Floristic Diversity and Cultural Heritage of Aleppo’s Public Park: Toward Sustainable Urban Green Space Management

Abstract

Urban public parks are not only ecological assets but also repositories of cultural memory and social identity. This study examines the floristic diversity and cultural heritage of Aleppo’s Central Public Park, a historically significant green space in one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Through systematic field surveys and floristic analysis, 257 plant species were documented, representing 192 genera, 77 families, 43 orders, and 12 subclasses. Angiosperms accounted for 248 species, while gymnosperms comprised 9 species. The most represented families were Fabaceae (27 species), Asteraceae (26), and Poaceae (16), with dominant genera including Rosa, Trifolium, and Amaranthus, which are traditionally linked to local cultural practices. The surveyed flora was dominated by herbaceous species (164 taxa), whereas woody elements and specialized life forms were comparatively scarce. In terms of life span, perennials prevailed (149 species), followed by annuals (98 species), while biennials were rare. Notably, five native gymnosperm trees (Pinus brutia, Pinus halepensis, Cedrus libani, Cupressus sempervirens, and Juniperus oxycedrus) were identified, each bearing ecological, cultural, and historical significance within the Mediterranean landscape. Approximately 7% of the recorded flora were considered rare or underrepresented, including culturally symbolic species such as Asparagus spp. and Canna indica. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated, culturally informed management strategies that prioritize native and traditional flora. By doing so, Aleppo’s Central Park can be revitalized as a sustainable urban green space that honors both biodiversity and the city’s civilizational legacy.