The war imposed on Syria not only threatens to destroy its people’s future, but also their past, as proved by the damage caused to mosques, medieval castles, churches and Roman ruins, which are vestiges of the country’s millenarian history.
These lands were occupied by ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, Aramaeans, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantines, until the Arabs’ conquest in the 7th century. All of them left their imprint on this territory.
Considered one of the sources of culture and arts since time immemorial, Syria’s heritage is threatened at present by the extremists’ pillage, as they smuggle historic artifacts to fund their campaigns of terror.
Although the government has succeeded in protecting most artifacts in the country’s museums, the historic sites are the targets of systematic looting by the armed groups, according to the general director of Antiquities and Museums of Syria, Mamoun Abdelkarim.
Hundreds of mercenaries who work with organized crime networks try to steal archeological artifacts, noted the expert, who called on the international community to prevent the smuggling of Syrian antiquities.
As part of efforts to prevent looting, Syrian authorities created a website containing a database on the country’s Intangible Heritage with the goal of preserving Syria’s historic legacy.
In addition to the devastation caused by the war, these sites are the targets of thefts, illegal excavations and looting of all kind. (PL)