Vicious encroachments and violations affecting many of Dara ‘a’s archaeological sites

Hundreds of archaeological sites in Dara ‘a governorate, dating back to ancient times, have not been spared from encroachments during the years of the war on Syria, in search of discoveries and treasures to be trafficked and so earning illegal profits from them, ignoring the value of these archaeological sites as a national fortune for us and future generations and as evidence of many ancient civilizations that have settled our country.

Dr. Mohammed Kheir Nasrallah, Head of the Department of Archaeology of Dara ‘a, revealed that most of the archaeological hills in the governorate have suffered many encroachments that have led to the vandalism and obliteration of many of its features and looting of some of its archaeological finds , such as Tel Al-Ashari in the western countryside, which dates back to the Bronze era, as well as Tell Al-Samen in the city of Nawa, Tell Shihab, Tell al-Jumu’, Tell al-Hara, and many others.

Head of the Buildings Division in the Department of Antiquities of Daraa, Mahmoud al-Hariri pointed out that many areas of Dara’ a governorate are characterized by their archaeological buildings belonging to various ancient times, which were also the target of greedy acquisition of their archaeological holdings.

He explained that several buildings of the Hejaz Railway in the city of Dara ‘a had been demolished during the war years. The buildings of Gharaz Station and Al-Taybeh Station were also subjected to secret excavations, vandalism and demolition of walls. Al-Muzayrib Castle, which is more than 500 years old, was subjected to random secret excavations and the demolition of some of its components. He noted that phases have been implemented for its restoration and further subsequent restoration phases are still required.

The Zine El Abidine Palace in the city of Inkhil, one of the most beautiful palaces of the Roman world, was exposed to excavations, vandalism and demolition of some of its walls .Luckily it has been completely restored.

The Romanian amphitheater of Dara’a has also been affected by excavation and vandalism. Restoration work commenced for one season, with further subsequent restoration works of its components being considered.

Nahta Castle has also been demolished and excavated with the intention of searching for treasures. It needs restoration work to keep it from crumbling and  collapsing and to return it to its original state, as the restoration work is done with the same materials and specifications without any modification of the form, dimensions and materials that make it up .

The Head of the Division pointed out that there are, in general, Roman archaeological buildings within the ancient towns of Bosra al-Harir, Nawa, al-Muta’iya, Ibta’, Kafr Shams, Assem, and Sha’ara in the Lajat area, which have been damaged and subjected to various infringements, as well as other archaeological sites. They also need to be restored, indicating that the current state of the various archaeological sites has been documented and described in order to take the necessary measures regarding them.

The foregoing describes some of what many archaeological sites in Daraa Governorate have been exposed to for almost a decade. It was a target for unjust encroachments that ruined many of its pillars and obliterated many of its features. It has led to the smuggling of many of its treasures beyond borders.

The local community must cooperate and coordinate with relevant and competent bodies to put an end to these encroachments in order to preserve the remainder of our historical monuments, which documents our country’s most ancient civilizations.

Amal Farhat