Syria's Endangered Heritage, page 5
Syrian Efforts to Preserve Jewish Heritage
Beyond those items already mentioned, the National Museum of Syria currently protects many Jewish—Syrian antiquities, including Old—Testament—themed paintings. At the time of publication, prominent examples of these include:
The Torah niche from the ancient Synagogue of Dura Europos, on which appear drawings of the Prophet Abraham, including the scene of his offering his son. Beside them are the temple façade and a drawing of the Jewish menorah.
A drawing featuring the Prophet Ezra reading a papyrus, Prophet Moses in the flames of boxthorn, the Ark of the Covenant in the hands of Philistines, and David anointed by Samuel as a king.
A number of paintings with themes from the Old Testament
A drawing of the pharaoh and Moses as a child and a beautiful painting of Abraham between the two symbols of the sun and the moon.
A drawing representing the story of Mordechai and Esther and another of Elijah bringing life back to a baby. From the author’s experience, the great majority of Syrians are deeply connected with their cultural heritage and do not distinguish much among its diverse origins.
As this volume has documented, most Syrians are proud to help others protect and rebuild their damaged religious and cultural sites and this mission is often a unifying factor among this besieged population. To take one example, the author was served tea one day by some members of the Jewish community in the old City of Damascus, whose apartment is near where tradition holds that St. Paul converted to Christianity. These gracious elderly residents strongly maintained that Jewish cultural heritage in Syria is being respected, protected and preserved in Syria with the same care as Muslim, Christian, and pagan antiquities.
Debasement of archaeological sites and damage to historic neighborhoods
In a number of locales within the Syrian Arab Republic, archaeological sites have themselves become intense battlefields. The predictable damage, sometimes near total, is frequently in tandem with organized illegal excavations. Often these are fierce digs, carried out by internationally—dispatched thieves carrying maps and equipped with buried—artifact detectors. Earth moving equipment is often brought in as well, and the activity usually occurs close to border areas, where looted artifacts can be quickly transported across unmanned border crossings into neighboring countries for waiting markets.
Some sites have become armed camps, used to train fighters in use of weapons and explosives, while some also, tragically, have been targeted for purely ideological reasons.
Preliminary assessment of construction violations
At archaeological sites during the crisis
Documented cases of illegal excavations and vandalism include the following cases:
Hasakah
Local authorities reported in May of 2014 that the Tell Hamoukar archaeological site has been damaged, while nearby hills were secretly excavated. An illegal excavation using heavy equipment has also taken place at Tell Ajaja, located in the south of the province, but the area has for the most part been inaccessible due to control by armed groups. In the northern part of Hasakah, containing some of the country’s most sensitive sites and where Syrian and foreign missions have been conducting explorations for years, the situation, though not quite as bad, is still perilous. Control of the area has shifted back and forth between the government and armed groups, and while prime sites such as Tell Mozan, Tell Leilan, Tell Beydar, and Tell Arbeed remain in good condition, Tells Berry, Brak, and Halaf have all undergone illegal excavations. Additionally, the residence of the British archaeological mission working at the hill of Tell Brak was plundered of equipment and some wooden logs.
Assyrian Archaeological statue illegally excavated from Tell Ajajeh in Hasakah Governorate
Deir ez-Zor /Dura Europos
Widespread illegal excavations have occurred in addition to theft of equipment belonging to the mission working at the Dura Europos site. Also, as previously mentioned, collections were stolen from the Dura Europos Museum while illegal construction has been carried out.
Elsewhere in Deir ez-Zor, thieves managed to steal the gates of the entrances to towers at the Halbia historic site, while the excavation tools of the Syrian—French archaeological expedition working there along with a caravan owned by the Directorate of Tourism were stolen as well. And at the archaeological site of Mari and at Tell Hariri, the mission’s accommodations and the visitors center were burgled. Archaeological sites from Maadan west to the city of al-Bukamal have also been subjected to secret digging operations.
Satellite images taken before the crisis showing damage (illegal excavation) at Salhiya Euphrates, Dura Europos, Deir ez-Zor, northern Syria
Idlib
Digging operations became chronic at the Ebla archaeological site by the end of December 2012. However, according to reports from Idlib’s Directorate of Antiquities, illegal excavations are presently declining due primarily to efforts by the local community, whose members have undertaken to secure artifacts at hidden locations. But the damage previously sustained was extensive. Modern facilities at the site have been hit, including a cafeteria at the entrance to the northern hill and the newly constructed visitor’s center southwest of the site. Additionally, Ebla has sustained damage at the following sectors:
The Acropolis: dozens of random holes were dug across the courtyards of the Royal Palace, especially near the archive room. Thieves attempted to enter by digging underneath walls in order to reach older levels not yet explored. A basalt staircase in the administrative suite of the palace was also destroyed, again with the purpose of penetrating layers. Other historic levels were sabotaged in parts of the palace, while less damaging diggings took place at the top of the acropolis. Wells were also searched, though they had been previously excavated by foreign archaeological missions.
In the Northern Palace the Great Temple of Ishtar was subjected to digging operations in some of its halls. Also wells were searched, though again they had been previously excavated.
Located in the slope of the Acropolis, the Southern Palace suffered vandalism and some minor diggings, though these did not affect the building, and restoration plans are in place.
At the Temple of the Rock, a significant Bronze Age temple, one hole was dug and one well was searched
Various illegal excavation at Tell Mardikh, Ebla, Idlib
A detailed report by the Department of Archaeological Parks in Idlib, made available to the author, offers an assessment of the archaeological parks in Idlib that were incorporated into UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites as part of the Ancient Villages of Northern Syria. All the parks are in good shape with the exception of one, Jabal al-Zawiya Park, which has sustained damage at the following locations:
Al-Bara site: Three stone sarcophagi inside the pyramid tomb were broken into, while a gate lintel and the door of an olive oil mill were also damaged. Four historic crowns have also been stolen. Some local people are living in 15 caves, where they are refurbishing several rock—engraved Byzantine tombs. Front areas of the site were damaged, including parts of Abi Sufyan Castle, the eastern façade of one of the five churches, the eastern façade of the monastery, and two pyramidal burial chambers, Mazuqa and Sawmaa.
Destruction occurring in pyramidal tombs
Destruction occurring in pyramidal tombs
Sergella site: The sarcophagus at the entrance to the site has sustained damage, while some sign boards were broken. Villagers from Kafr Roma have also occupied approximately 10 historic houses at the site, while the office, electricity room, and ticket office were broken into.
Wadi Martahun, Magelya, Batirsa, Bshilla, Bauda, and DeLozeh sites: Some refugees have moved into and refurbished seven caves, while some illegal excavations have taken place
Located in the country’s vast Limestone Massif, the Ancient Villages of Northern Syria, also known as the ‘Dead Cities,’ comprise some 40 villages in all, grouped into eight separate archaeological parks. The area serves as a glimpse into rural and village life in late antiquity during the Byzantine period. Happily, the remaining parks, including Jabal Barisha, and Jabal al-Woastani, have suffered little to no damage.
Aleppo
Roughly 350 km north of Damascus, Aleppo is the largest city in Syria and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to the sixth millennium BC. It is mentioned in the tablets of Ur, Ebla, and Ugarit, and grew into a vital trade center, chiefly because of its fertility as well as its strategic position at a crossroad on the major caravan route. At various times in history it has been ruled by the Akkadians, the Amorites, Hittites, Aramaeans, and by Alexander the Great. Roman control lasted for 600 years, and in Islamic times Aleppo came under the rule of Saladin and the Ayyubids starting in 1183.
Destruction at the Umayyad Mosque (Great Mosque) in the Ancient City of Aleppo
In the present conflict the city has been a major battle zone. The Directorate of Antiquities of Aleppo has confirmed the destruction of the minaret of the Great Umayyad Mosque, one of the most important archaeological mosques in Syria. Part of the Ancient City of Aleppo, the mosque, too, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition to the destruction of the minaret, an armed group disassembled a wooden minbar (a raised platform) in the mosque, claiming to be transferring it to another, safer location, but the transfer was made without the knowledge of the proper archaeological authorities, and the minbar’s present whereabouts is unknown. The mosque has also sustained structural damage as well as damage to the interior, though detailed information is difficult to come by due to the security situation. (Events at the mosque, as well as the site’s historical significance, are discussed more fully in chapter 4.)
Damage in the old souks of the Ancient City of Aleppo
Hundreds of historic antique shops were burned down in Old Aleppo souks such as al-Zerb, al-Obbi, al-Atme, al-Attareen, al-Niswan, al-Soof, and al-Sagha, while the historic Carlton Hotel was destroyed in mid—May 2014. Additionally, the Bimaristan Arghun (also known as the Museum of Medicine and Science) sustained serious damage, but once again, security conditions are preventing access to the site. Other damaged sites in the Old City include the Castle of Aleppo, whose northern town was damaged by bombing and which also sustained damage to the entrance. The castle’s northern tower was partially destroyed by bombing, and also sustained damage to the entrance.
Damage in the old souks of the Ancient City of Aleppo
Elsewhere in Aleppo Governorate, the al-Dederiyeh Cave in Mount Simeon was deliberately sabotaged, including the excavation and archaeological areas previously explored by the mission working there. In the same location looting also took place of excavation equipment, wooden columns and boards.
The author with Dr. M.B. Shabani, Director of the Aleppo National Museum on 12/10/14 during a briefing on measures being taken by the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) to protect the contents of Syria’s 32 national museums.
Damascus, Old City
Syria’s capital sits in an oasis fed by the Barada River, whose basin may have been occupied by humans as far back as 9,000 BC. The city was mentioned in the Mari tablets, circa 2500 BC, referred to as Dimashqa, and a little later—as Dimaski—in the Ebla archives, and is today home of the Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque of Damascus, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world and the first monumental work of architecture in Islamic history. Ruled at various times by the Aramaens, Assyrians, and the Greeks, Damascus was annexed by the Roman general Pompey in 64 BC, after which it was incorporated into a league of ten cities known as the Decapolis. Upon visiting the city in 1867, Mark Twain wrote:
Damascus has seen all that has ever occurred on earth, and still she lives. She has looked upon the dry bones of a thousand empires, and will see the tombs of a thousand more before she dies. Though another claims the name, old Damascus is by right the Eternal City.
In the present conflict, parts of the old city have been hit by mortar fire, including an archaeological buffer zone, as well as several historical districts outside the walled city. The following was documented by Damascus Antiquities from January 1 thru July 17, 2014:
In the Bab Tuma neighborhood, mortars hit at several points along the main street, resulting in minor damage to privately owned properties, including the Albaal restaurant, located in front of Al-Assia School;
The Al-Adilya Madrasa, in the Bab al Bareed neighborhood near the Umayyad Mosque, was hit by mortar shells, causing minor damage to the brick roof; and in the same neighborhood mortar fire also struck Jaqmaqiyeh madrasa (the Museum of Arabic Calligraphy), resulting in blown out windows and cracks in the walls;
Mortar fire near Saladin’s Tomb resulted in damage to the façade of one of the shops;
Mortar shells struck several shops in Jewish sections northeast of the walled city, particularly in the Kharab district, while traditional houses collapsed or were damaged in the neighborhoods of Harika, Mezzeh and Al Shahem;
Two mortar rounds hit the Jura neighborhood, the first blowing out windows and damaging a hall in the Al Manar School, the second striking a privately owned house, causing cracks to the outside wall;
Damage in the al Qanawat historical district, outside the walled citywith the Al Saada School sustaining damage to its windows and roof
Damage affecting the large mosaic decorating the exterior façade at
Umayyad Mosque in the Ancient City of Damascus
In addition to the above, the nearly 1300—year—old Grand Mosque itself was hit by mortar rounds fired from rebel—held areas of the East Ghouta suburb in November of 2013, with one of the shells inflicting a direct hit upon the large mosaic decorating the external façade. Damages at the mosque, as well as subsequent restoration efforts, are discussed more fully in chapter 3.
Hama Governorate
The ruins of the ancient city of Apamee rest on a rise overlooking the Ghab Valley, some 60 km northwest of the city of Hama. Apamee was founded by Seleucus I Nicator, a former general of, and successor to, Alexander the Great, and the city became the military capital of the Seleucid Empire.
Apamee site has been one of those most extensively affected by vandalism and illegal excavation, and there are reports of continued digging operations in the east, northeast, and west of the governorate. Additionally, hundreds of construction stones have been stolen from the al-Andrine historic site.
Hama is also home to more than 17 hydraulic water wheels, known as noria, that have been submitted as tentative World Heritage sites under UNESCO’s criteria of representing “a masterpiece of human creative genius.” Situated along the Orontes River, the noria were constructed for purpose of irrigating nearby fields, and as such represent a significant stage of human history. A mosaic found at Apamee, dating to 469 CE, pictures a noria very similar to those at Hama and today is displayed in the Hama Museum. Distressingly, however, on August 8, 2014, one of the main wheels, the Noria Gaabariyya, near the Al Nori Mosque, was subjected to an arson attack by an unknown group. The fire burned the upper part of a new wooden wheel, while the initial stone base remained intact.
Satellite images showing the magnitude of illegal excavation in the archaeological city of Apamea/Image A shows the site in 2011. Image B shows the site in 2012
Homs
Local legend has it that it was in the Syrian Desert near present day Aleppo, some Egyptians claim otherwise, that a bird of unsurpassed beauty without equal lived for centuries and then suddenly experienced ferocious immolation. Miraculously to emerge from its still smoldering ashes with restored and even enhanced majesty.
Visiting sites of four years of war damaged archeological treasures in Syria one witnesses some fairly massive destruction, some of which has been reported in the international media. But the visitor also comes upon stunning if, yet still relatively modest, progress that many local communities are making in protecting and restoring mankind’s shared global cultural heritage. Voluntary work and dedication in the midst of war and frequent mayhem.
To date these measures are mainly local initiatives relying on limited community resources with government encouragement, toughened looting laws and rigorous enforcement and facilitating local communities with repair and reconstruction permits. While simultaneously, the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) of the Ministry of Culture cooperate and encourage these patriotic efforts and works with INTERPOL among others to retrieve stolen treasures. So far the local initiatives have not received much central government cash given the many current urgent societal needs. And a paucity of foreign material assistance is arriving. But the dearth of the latter is partially offset by the expanding international interest and concern for what has been happening to archeological sites in Syria and what needs to be done urgently by way of protection and restoration.
