One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, it became a capital in 1946 when Syria gained independence
... [3][4] It is the 5th-largest city 
in Syria after Aleppo, Damascus, Homs and Hama, ... [7][8][9] Aleppo is one of the 
oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world; it has ... During French Mandate 
rule, the city became a center of insurrection and, after independence in 1946,... [DOC] [TLE] Syria profile - Timeline - BBC News - BBC.com [PAR] A chronology of key events in the history of Syria from the end of Ottoman rule to 
the present day.