Russian Expert: Russia Ready to Cooperate to Design Geographic Data Systems for Palmyra

MOSCOW – Russia is ready to cooperate in designing geographic data systems for the archeological city of Palmyra, Deputy Director of the Institute of History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences Natalia Solovyova has announced, according to SANA.

In a press conference on Friday, Solovyova said that Russian experts carried out aerial photography and verification on the ground for archeological sites in Palmyra between the 20th and 28th of September, and based on the data collected a 3D model of Palmyra showing its current status was made, which will allow for evaluating the state of archeological sites in it and for planning reconstruction and rebuilding in it.

 She noted that Russia is the only side that currently has official photo documents of the situation in the archeological city, and these photo documents will make it possible to restore ancient landmarks, adding that Russia is prepared to cooperate in designing geographic data systems that will also be used in restoration efforts.

Solovyova said the results of the aerial photography and the 3D model will be presented to the Syrian Ministry of Culture and to the UNESCO.

In turn, Director of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg Mikhail Piotrovsky said that several small teams from UNESCO conducted official visits to Palmyra, and their findings will be utilized in later plans for restoring the city.

Back in September, a team of Russian experts from the Institute of History of Material Culture and the Hermitage Museum headed by Solovyova visited Palmyra and studied the state of archeological sites which had sustained great damage at the hands of ISIS terror organization.