On behalf of the BTU Middle East Cooperation Unit, the Urban Design Master’s Programme, staff and students:

In January we received the heartbreaking news that our former Master’s student, Philipp Winter, had been murdered in Rotterdam on 19 September 2024.

Philipp had applied for our double degree Master’s programme in Urban Design - Revitalisation of His-toric City Districts for the winter semester 2017/2018. With a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Humboldt University in Berlin, he was accepted as an exceptional case having already completed many urban planning courses. From the very beginning, Philipp proved to be an extremely dedicated, passionate and intelligent student of urban design. His exceptionally brilliant mind, critical eye and insatiable curiosity made him a loyal learner who approached each project with a determination to understand it far beyond a normal assignment. He believed that design could make a difference - a conviction that drove him to explore every facet of his assignments with remarkable depth.

Our programme, spanning institutions in Cottbus, Cairo, and Alexandria, benefited immensely from his passion and intellect. At the end of the second semester in Cairo, he confided in me his joy at having experienced the vibrant life of the city and shared his wish to continue immersing himself in such dynamic environments. His dedication was not confined to his own growth; Philipp was always supportive of his friends and colleagues, offering encouragement and insight as a very good researcher and a kind, steadfast companion.

Later, when I met him in Berlin, I was delighted to learn that he had been accepted into the Urban Design programme at TU Berlin, where he completed his Master’s degree with great success. Even though he left this world far too young, his talent, his thirst for a better place and the fond memories he left with all those who had the privilege of knowing him remain as an enduring legacy.

Tragically, Philipp Winter - a cosmopolitan spirit, a citizen of the world, a remarkable urban planner and a promising colleague - was killed at such a young age by a totally blinded assassin in a completely senseless way. The world will sorely miss his remarkable skills and his unyielding belief in the power of design and dialogue to transform our communities. We will keep Philipp's memory alive and extend our deepest condolences to his parents, family and friends.

Christoph Wessling
BTU - Middle East Cooperation Unit
ac. Prof. Urban Design and Urban Studies 

Dear partners, colleagues, and friends of the Middle East Cooperation Unit,

As we welcome the new year, we reflect on a challenging period marked by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Yet, December brought a glimmer of hope with the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. After more than twelve years of war in Syria, there is now a historic opportunity for peace and freedom for the Syrian people—a moment described by many in the international community as one of hope.

At the same time, we are mindful of the immense challenges ahead. The war has left Syria deeply scarred—not only in its physical landscape but also in the hearts and lives of its people. These challenges demand sustained commitment, empathy, and collaboration to ensure that the hope of rebuiding endures.

At BTU’s Middle East Cooperation Unit, we have been honored to contribute to efforts in built heritage preservation and capacity-building for Syria’s recovery since 2013. Highlights of our work include:

• Mapping the Old City of Aleppo (2016–2019): A project documenting the urban cultural heritage of Aleppo.
• Post-Conflict Urban Recovery Project (2021–2022): Conducted in collaboration with the American University of Beirut and funded by DAAD, this project involved online events and workshops in Germany and Jordan, focusing on rebuilding historic districts in various cities of Syria.
• Toolkits and Training: Contributions such as the “Post-Conflict Recovery of Urban Cultural Heritage Toolkit” and the “Urban Recovery and Planning in the Syrian Context” training program for GIZ
• Book chapters ( Map of the Old City of Aleppo and  From Mapping to Capacity Building).

Central to all these initiatives has been collaboration with young Syrian colleagues—students, doctoral researchers, project staff, and participants—some of whom have joined us directly from Syria or from exile. We are also grateful for partnerships with institutions like the Berlin Museum of Islamic Art and the German Archaeological Institute, as well as universities around the world.

As we look ahead, we firmly believe that Syrian voices and expertise must lead the way in the reconstruction of their country. We remain committed to standing in solidarity with all those striving for a peaceful and free Syria and hope that our efforts can continue to support these aspirations meaningfully.

With warm regards and best wishes for a healthy, prosperous, and peaceful New Year in 2025,

Middle East Cooperation Unit