Archaeologists and conservationists are racing against time to restore Syria’s war-torn heritage sites, including the legendary Palmyra Roman ruins, in a bid to revive tourism and stabilize the nation’s economy after 14 years of conflict. Once-flourishing UNESCO World Heritage sites like Palmyra and Crac des Chevaliers now bear deep scars from ISIS destruction, government airstrikes, and looting, yet experts believe their cultural significance could catalyze Syria’s recovery.
Before Syria’s civil war, Palmyra attracted 150,000 visitors monthly, serving as the country’s crown jewel of tourism. Today, its shattered columns and vandalized temples tell a different story. “The museum was in a deplorable state, with missing documents and artifacts — we have no idea what happened to them,” said Ayman Nabu, a Syrian ruins researcher. ISIS militants demolished iconic structures like the Temple of Bel and executed antiquities experts, while Assad forces repurposed historical sites into military bases.
“Syria has a treasure of ruins, but we need trained teams to evaluate their condition before restoration can begin,”
Nabu emphasized. The ancient city of Palmyra, once a Silk Road hub, now suffers from illegal excavations and smuggled artifacts. Of 29 stolen sculptures documented in 2015, only seven were recovered.
The medieval Crac des Chevaliers fortress, another UNESCO site, suffered extensive damage from government bombings. Architect Hazem Hanna noted collapsed columns and a staircase destroyed in 2014: “Relying on Syria’s historical significance, I expect a tourism revival once visitors return.” Recent repairs address earthquake damage, but much of the castle remains unstable.
Syria’s heritage crisis extends beyond bombings:
- Looters digging for artifacts in ancient tombs
- Unauthorized construction near archaeological zones
- Graffiti and repurposing of ruins as livestock shelters
In Northwest Syria, over 700 Byzantine-era Dead Cities face collapse, with displaced families using stone houses as shelters. “Tens of thousands of looted artifacts remain undocumented,” Nabu warned, citing poor oversight and underground markets.
Despite UNESCO’s remote support since 2015, on-site work remains stalled until security improves. Local experts stress the urgency: “These sites aren’t just stones — they’re Syria’s identity,” said Moustafa Al-Kaddour, a resident returning to his ancestral village. Meanwhile, Idlib province’s 1,000+ heritage sites face similar threats from neglect and conflict.
With interim authorities delaying strategic plans, conservationists hope international aid and stabilized politics could unlock funding. As tourists tentatively return, the world watches whether Syria’s ancient marvels can rise again — or become permanent casualties of war.
