Restoring Syria's Cultural Heritage: A Path to Economic Revival

SYSyrian Arab Republic|

Experts are undertaking restoration efforts at Syria's renowned heritage sites, such as the ancient city of Palmyra and Crac des Chevaliers, damaged by years of conflict. According to The Associated Press, these sites, pivotal to Syria's tourist economy before the civil war, are now seeing a gradual return of local tourists, sparking hopes for an international tourism revival.

Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was a vital connection on the ancient Silk Road and was once frequented by 150,000 visitors monthly. Ayman Nabu, an expert on the site, emphasized its historical significance, stating that “Palmyra revitalized the steppe and used to be a global tourist magnet.”

UNESCO has provided remote support for the protection of Syrian cultural heritage since 2015. However, comprehensive restoration efforts depend on improved security conditions, as noted by Matthieu Lamarre of UNESCO. Meanwhile, armed fighters and local tourists coexist at historical landmarks, demonstrating both the delicate peace and the resilience of Syria’s cultural identity.

Countries and organizations interested in heritage preservation continue to assess the situation amid ongoing challenges to both safety and resource availability, indicating a long road to recovery.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Syrian Arab Republic

Deadly Sectarian Clashes in Syria Claim 73 Lives

At least 73 individuals have lost their lives due to two days of violent sectarian clashes in Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group. The violence, which erupted in the areas of Jaramana and Sahnaya near Damascus, has resulted in the deaths of 30 members of the security forces, 15 Druze fighters, and one civilian. In a separate incident in southern Suweyda province, 27 Druze gunmen were killed, including 23 in what was described as an ambush along the Suweyda-Damascus road on Wednesday. Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent Druze spiritual leader, condemned the violence on May 1, referring to it as a "genocidal campaign" against the Druze community. This outbreak of violence has marked one of the deadliest periods of sectarian unrest in months, drawing concern from various international observers. As the situation remains tense, calls for peace and dialogue have intensified among local and international leaders, urging all parties to cease hostilities and seek resolution.
SYSyrian Arab Republic

Turkey Airstrike in Syria Claims Nine Lives, Sparks Outcry

An airstrike by Turkish forces in northern Syria has reportedly killed nine members of a family, according to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The attack occurred late on March 16, near the town of Kobani, targeting a farming family, the SDF stated. This incident has prompted condemnation from Syrian officials, who labeled the airstrike a "dangerous escalation." The continued military actions in the region have raised concerns regarding civilian safety and heightened tensions amidst an ongoing conflict involving various local and foreign factions. The Turkish government has not publicly acknowledged the specific strike in question but has maintained that its military operations in northern Syria are aimed at neutralizing threats from Kurdish groups, which it considers terrorist organizations. The situation has drawn international scrutiny as reports of civilian casualties continue to emerge amid broader geopolitical tensions in the area. As conflicts in Syria persist, humanitarian organizations have called for urgent measures to protect civilians and provide aid to those affected by increasing hostilities.
SYSyrian Arab Republic

Landmine Hazards Claim Hundreds of Lives in Post-Assad Syria

In the three months following the fall of the Assad regime, Syria has seen over 200 casualties, including women and children, due to unexploded ordnance, according to the Halo Trust, the world’s largest landmine charity. Approximately 1.2 million displaced individuals have returned to their homes amidst the remnants of 14 years of civil conflict. Experts warn that "no area in Syria is safe" from these hazards, with Mohammed Sami Al Mohammed, a mine action coordinator for the Syrian Civil Defence, indicating that complete clearance may take decades. An earlier UN report noted that one-third of the victims of these unexploded munitions are children, who often mistake the remnants for toys. Volunteers like Fahd al-Ghajar, who was tragically killed by a landmine while demining, are risking their lives to make these areas safe for families returning home. Al-Ghajar, who had previously served in the Syrian army, dedicated his efforts to removing mines, stating, "We must stand by these people and remove the mines to help them return to their homes."
SYSyrian Arab Republic
All Syrian Arab Republic News ->