Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • A Different Kind of Pope – Analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos
    • A Zoom Retreat on “Pride” for Clergy Wives and Widows
    • Pascha With St. John of Shanghai
    • Over 200 Entered the Church this Pascha in Hatfield, UK
    • On the Unity of the Church: An Interview with Dr. Symeon Paschalidis
    • OCA Delegation Attends Funeral of Pope Francis
    • Another Joyful Milestone at St. Vladimir’s Seminary
    • The “Chernobyl Savior” Icon
    Orthodox Christian Laity
    Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
    • Home
    • OCL
      • About OCL
      • Leadership
      • OCL News
      • OCL Publications
      • Focused Study and Research Topics
      • OCL Archives at DePaul University
    • Orthodox News & Links
      • Orthodox News Stories
      • Headlines & News Archives
      • Governance & Unity
        • Governance Top Stories
        • Governance & Unity Essays
        • Grassroots Unity in Action
      • OCL Forums
      • Orthodox Christian Laity News
      • Web Links
    • Audio & Video
      • Audio Index
      • Video Index
    • Contact
    • Make a Donation
    Orthodox Christian Laity
    You are at:Home»Orthodox News»Syria’s archaeological heritage in danger

    Syria’s archaeological heritage in danger

    0
    By Webmaster on September 25, 2012 Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Telegram WhatsApp Copy Link
    A general view of an old Byzantine church in the Druze village of Loza, in Idlib province. (AFP, File)

    Source: News24

    Reyhanli – Syria’s extraordinary archaeological heritage has fallen prey to the fighting ravaging the country for more than 18 months, with destruction, theft and systematic looting on the rise.

    In a country where corruption and trafficking of archaeological artefacts and treasures was already a chronic problem, widespread clashes and a power vacuum in some areas have led to an explosion of looting and illicit excavations.

    “It is obvious that in such situations there is always an increase in looting, illegal excavations and smuggling,” Veronique Dauge of the Unesco World Heritage Centre said by telephone.

    “Remember what happened in Iraq in 2003.”

    Around 32 000 artefacts were looted from 12 000 archaeological sites in Iraq during the chaos that followed the US-led invasion in 2003, and 15 000 items were also looted from the Baghdad National Museum.

    The Syrian army has often been accused of participating in the pillaging or tolerating such actions by civilians – often in well organised trafficking bands.

    Soldiers suspects

    In Reyhanli, a small Turkish village near the border with Syria, a newly arrived Syrian refugee from the famed ancient desert town of Palmyra said the museum there had been looted and reported large-scale theft at the site.

    “These are the shabiha, the Assad gangs [militiamen]who do this,” charged Abu Jabal, giving a fictitious name. “The army is there, and oversees everything.”

    An amateur video posted online on 17 August shows seven or eight sculptures and busts crammed into the back of a pick-up truck. Soldiers can be seen chatting alongside the vehicle.

    “We have studied what our Syrian colleagues are saying, and it is indeed soldiers. Everything leads us to believe that the army is stealing antiquities in Palmyra and elsewhere,” Spanish archaeologist Rodrigo Martin said.

    He is the spokesperson for a team of archaeologists, Syrian and foreign, who formed the “Syrian Heritage in Danger” group, whose goal is to monitor what happens at archaeological sites, through a network of informants.

    “Some sites have been the scene of fighting, others have been looted, and the military has given digging permits to gangs in exchange for their complicity in the conflict,” Martin added.

    Rebels resorting to smuggling

    “But even if we have many contacts, it is difficult to know what is really going on. We will discover the extent of the damage after the war.”

    His organisation has also received testimonies accusing rebel groups of resorting to smuggling in order to finance themselves. “We hear rumours, but it is very difficult to verify these,” he said.

    On 12 September, The Times in London published an article in which a Lebanese antiquities dealer said insurgents had assembled groups of clandestine diggers to recover antiquities to finance their uprising against President Bashar Assad.

    “The rebels need arms and the antiquities are a good way to buy them,” Abu Khaled was quoted as saying in the article.

    In a report entitled “The Syrian archaeological heritage is in danger”, the EU-funded Euromed Heritage organisation emphasises the danger currently posed to Syria’s rich heritage by secret excavations.

    “Clandestine excavations have posed a threat to Syrian history and heritage for many years. Unfortunately, current events have significantly increased this risk. Many groups have attempted to conduct secret excavations, starting with the security forces,” the report said.

    “The clandestine excavations have become objects of negotiation: They are tolerated by the authorities to anyone who agrees to stay away from the uprising or denounces activists.”

    For British archaeologist Emma Cunliffe, another specialist on Syria, what happened in 2003 in Iraq is now being repeated.

    “Look at the prices of nice antiquities at auction at Christie’s or Sotheby’s: It’s ridiculous! As long as there is this kind of demand on the international market, the looting will continue.”
    – AFP

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email WhatsApp Copy Link
    Previous ArticleRussian lawmakers call for jail for “blasphemous acts”
    Next Article The Empty Chair: A Dangerous Leadership Syndrome

    Related Posts

    April 30, 20251 Min Read

    Over 200 Entered the Church this Pascha in Hatfield, UK

    April 30, 202513 Mins Read

    On the Unity of the Church: An Interview with Dr. Symeon Paschalidis

    April 26, 20258 Mins Read

    The “Chernobyl Savior” Icon

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Sign the Declaration for Orthodox Christian Unity

    Enter the Slogan Contest

    Share this page
    DISCLAIMER

    All articles represent the views of the authors and  not necessarily the official views of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL). They are posted to encourage thoughtful discussion on topics and concerns relevant to Orthodox Christians living in a pluralistic society. OCL encourages your comments.

    Stay Informed!

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    WE WELCOME YOUR INPUT AND SUPPORT!

    Your donation impacts and helps advance the unity of the Orthodox Church of America.

    DONATE NOW

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

    Upcoming Events
    There are no upcoming events.
    Recent Comments
    • Webmaster on St Catherine’s Circle: Lenten Lectures on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm Eastern
    • Joy smith on St Catherine’s Circle: Lenten Lectures on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm Eastern
    • Webmaster on Ethiopian Bible is the oldest and complete bible on earth
    • Gloria on Ethiopian Bible is the oldest and complete bible on earth
    • Webmaster on A Different Kind of Pope – Analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos
    • Irvinjacksonjr on Ethiopian Bible is the oldest and complete bible on earth
    • George Marakis on A Response to “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church”
    • Gerry Perdilas on A Response to “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church”
    • Lakis Velotris on Is Trump the New Constantine?
    • Mary Zaras on Is Trump the New Constantine?
    OCL Archives Online
    Project for Orthodox Renewal
    renewal-resize
    OCL Digital Newsletter

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    MAKE A DONATION

    St. Symeon the New Theologian and St. Photini are the Patron Saints of OCL

    footer-fnl

    Orthodox Christian Laity
    PO Box 6954

    West Palm Beach, FL · 33405
    561-585-0245

    Sponsored by Ann Souvall in memory of husband George

    DISCLAIMER: All articles represent the views of the authors and  not necessarily the official views of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL). They are posted to encourage thoughtful discussion on topics and concerns relevant to Orthodox Christians living in a pluralistic society. OCL encourages your comments.

    ©2025 Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) ·  Login

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.