Experts are returning to Syria's war-ravaged heritage sites, including Palmyra, Crac des Chevaliers, and the Dead Cities, to initiate restoration efforts. The aim is to revive tourism and bolster the country's economy after nearly 14 years of conflict.
Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a former key hub on the ancient Silk Road, sustained significant damage. Researcher Ayman Nabu reported extensive excavation within tombs and a "deplorable" state of the Palmyra museum following the conflict. He noted the theft and smuggling of funerary sculptures during IS control in 2015, with some pieces recovered and others likely in underground markets.
Crac des Chevaliers, a medieval castle, also suffered heavy bombardment during the Syrian civil war. Architect Hazem Hanna reported the destruction of columns and an entrance staircase due to airstrikes in 2014. Some sections have been renovated since, but much of the castle remains in ruins.
The Dead Cities in Northwest Syria, featuring over 700 abandoned Byzantine settlements, have also faced damage from looting, unauthorized digging, and repurposing of structures. Moustafa Al-Kaddour, a local resident, recounted the establishment of a military position by Assad forces in one village, leading to heavy shelling.
UNESCO has remotely supported the protection of Syrian cultural heritage since 2015 through satellite analyses and recommendations. Detailed studies are needed before major restorations can begin, according to Matthieu Lamarre of UNESCO.
Nabu and Hanna emphasized the need for trained technical teams to evaluate the condition of the ruin sites. Authorities are compiling case files for international circulation to locate and retrieve looted artifacts, in coordination with the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums.