After 14 years, independent Syria aims to revitalize its tourism. Experts are returning to war-zone sites to restore them, including the city of Palmyra, which served as a linking bridge between the Roman and Parthian empires in Asia.
As the Assad regime comes to an end in December 2024, experts and archaeologists are focusing on Syria’s historical sites to enhance tourism and stimulate the economy. Their plans include restoring the ancient dead cities of the northwest region, the Crac des Chevaliers castle, and the city of Palmyra.
The Destruction
The ancient city of Palmyra historically served as a vital route linking the Parthian state and the Roman Empire to Asia, showcasing its significance in trade and cultural exchange. In recent years, particularly since 2011, the area has gained attention for its connection to Tadmur Prison, where many faced hardships under the Assad regime. The prison itself was ultimately demolished, a decision coinciding with the destruction of various historic sites, including the temples of Bel and Baalshamin and the Arch of Triumph, by Islamic State militants. These remarkable structures, some of which date back to prehistoric times, are a testament to the rich heritage of the region. It’s especially tragic that an antiquities scholar, devoted to preserving and overseeing these invaluable ruins, was beheaded during the war period.
The control of the city was exchanged between the IS and Syrian army, and the established army bases destroyed the town, with damages and total abandonment, Russian militants had also taken the Fakhr al-Din al-Ma’ani Castle as the military barracks.
According to scholar Nabu, who has been evaluating the sites right after the independence of the country, “The (Palmyra) museum was in a deplorable state, with missing documents and artifacts – we have no idea what happened to them.”
The Syrian war resulted in heavy bombardment of Crac des Chevaliers, a historic site. The entrance staircase and columns were destroyed by airstrikes, while the central courtyard and the arabesque-adorned columns were damaged in a strike in 2014. This castle was originally built by the Romans and later occupied by the Crusaders.
Another area, known as the Dead Cities, consists of 700 abandoned Byzantine settlements located in northwest Syria. These ancient cities were once important hubs of trade and agriculture. However, looters have devastated these sites, and the ongoing conflict has made the region off-limits to tourists and visitors. In addition to bombing and airstrikes, unauthorized digging and excavations have transformed these historic places into ruins, with countless artifacts being stolen from the sites.
The Preservation
During his visit to the site of Palmyra, Nobu observed that several funerary sculptures had been stolen during the period of IS control in 2015. Fortunately, seven of these stolen sculptures were retrieved and are now displayed in the Museum of Idlib.
Matthieu Lamarre stated that UNESCO has been remotely supporting the protection of Syrian cultural heritage through satellite analysis. Although no on-site work has been conducted, UNESCO has explored the potential for technical assistance if security conditions improve. In 2019, the organization indicated that detailed studies would be necessary to initiate major restoration efforts for the sites. The Dead Cities was also added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list as an open-air museum.
Nabu, the evaluator of the Carc des Chevaliers castle stated that they would need technical teams to assess the current conditions of the ruins.
Haripriya Mishra is a journalist deeply interested in world news and geopolitics. She likes to explore the complexities of global affairs and strives to bring clarity to these issues through thoughtful journalism. Through her writing, she intends to raise the right questions, fostering informed discussions about national and international matters. Haripriya aims to use journalism as a platform to connect with people, share diverse perspectives, and contribute to a deeper understanding of global issues. She is committed to producing content that is accurate, ethical, and impactful. She enjoys creative writing and reflecting on the nuances of media and storytelling.
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