Thousands archeological sites in north Syria vandalized during war
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – At least 10,000 archeological sites in northeastern Syria have been vandalized and destroyed during the Syrian war that erupted in 2011, an official in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) said on Tuesday.
The official, who works at the Culture and Antiquities Committee within Raqqa Civil Council, made his remarks on the sidelines of a conference on the importance of protecting material and immaterial aspects of heritage.
The discussions that emerged during the conference, held by al-Sharq University in the city of Raqqa, centered around the extensive vandalism, destruction, and robbery of archaeological sites that had been subjected to throughout the long years of conflict.
Hassan Mustafa, co-chair of the Culture and Antiquities Committee told North Press that the Islamic State (ISIS) and armed opposition factions, each having gained control of the area for a period of time, exploited archeological sites and turned them to main sources for making money.
Mustafa added that about 1,000 sites in Raqqa were vandalized, destroyed, and robbed by antique traders and those who exploited the state of insecurity and the absence of official parties assigned to this field. As a result, the region was stripped of its heritage.
The official went further adding that the committee is considering the issuance of legislations and laws to stop such violations, aiming at preserving the heritage and antiques.
As for conservation and restoration plans, Mustafa noted that it is hard to rely on the few available local experts in the region. He stressed that most local specialists skilled in historical preservation immigrated, emphasizing the need for specialists from neighboring countries and international organizations experienced in this field.
In January 2014, ISIS fully captured Raqqa from Syrian opposition factions and later declared it as the de-facto capital of its caliphate. The extremist group was expelled from the city in October 2017 after a four-month battle with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the US-led Global Coalition.