With the participation of 400 volunteers… the “Week for history” Initiative, kicks off in Al-Hosn Castle in Homs

Al-Hawash Private University in Wadi Al-Nadara, in cooperation with the Governorate of Homs and the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums, launched an initiative entitled “A Week for History”. Some 400 volunteers are participating in this initiative, which includes weeding and removing trees and herbs from the walls, floors and roofs of Al-Hosn Castle with the purpose of  protecting it from the harmful effects of these plants.

In statements to SANA reporter, Naima Mohartam, director of the castle, confirmed the important role of the local community in preserving historical and archaeological monuments. She indicated that the volunteers would work within a whole week to remove weeds from the castle, noting that some trees have grown between the walls of the castle, which requires the presence of technicians and specialists to remove them so that they do not affect the castle stones.

Mohartam explained that this initiative is an invitation for everyone to participate in cleaning the castle and taking care of it, stressing that Al-Hawash University has provided all the necessary supplies and equipment for the success of the initiative.

Dr. Amjad Ayoub, the coordinator of “A Week for History” initiative, pointed out the importance of the initiative in protecting the castle from fires and the negative effects of the herbs and trees that grow inside it, as it contains giant trees of figs and pomegranates in the ceiling of the Knights Hall, which could be a serious threat to it.

“Today we have started our week-long work, believing in the importance of Al-Hosn Castle, which is one of the most important castles in Syria, and that it is our duty to provide Syrian tourism with  support, especially after the recent fires that our beautiful mountains were exposed to”. He added

Ayoub  went on to say, “this initiative will not be the last for the university, as there will be coordination with the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums to work on some sites within the castle that need specialists to remove some huge trees. We will also conduct a survey of the entire castle later to make a digital plan for it”.

Engineer Hazem Hanna, head of the engineering division of the castle, pointed out the importance of the initiative, as the many herbs, weed and trees in the castle constitute a serious danger threatening it.

He emphasized that every year, as much as possible, herbs and trees are removed, especially the oak and fig trees, which grow widely and sporadically within the castle, indicating that the volunteers would clean and remove weeds at the tourist visit line, the outer castle wall, and the space between the inner and outer western walls of the castle.

Volunteer Manar Issa said, “We want our country to remain the most beautiful forever. Our participation in this initiative aims at protecting the Al-Hosn castle, which is an important archaeological and historical landmark for us, as Syrians.”

Wasim Sharif, volunteer, considered this initiative the least that could be offered to this majestic castle, which was a destination for tourists from all over the world, pointing out that their mission includes cleaning the largest possible area of the castle by removing weeds and trees that affect its beauty and unique appearance.

It is worth noting that Al-Hosn Castle is one of the most important archaeological and historical medieval castles in Syria that is distinguished for its architecture and the strength of its fortifications.

It extends with its trench  a distance of 240 meters from north to south and 170 meters from east to west. It was registered in 2006 on the World Heritage List.

Amal Farhat