Syrians’ Universal Heritage (1)

Few of the Syrians know of the existence of archaeological sites in Syria, included in UNESCO world heritage list. And a few of these few can name or number them, or even recognize their importance or know if there are other Syrian archaeological sites on the waiting list.

Archaeology experts confirm that in Syria alone there are five thousand archaeological sites, but only six locations have been so far added to the world heritage list and to the global map in the UNESCO six languages. Furthermore, these sites are forming a pillar to Syria’s history, however making them international and more well-known is another issue. Yet if we know how to promote our cultural industry and our civilizational heritage that will be a more easy task.

The first site is Damascus old city, which was included in 1979 list and at which the UNESCO looks in respect and appreciation; as it is the first populated city in the world. According to the UNESCO web site, the city was founded in the third millennium BC making it one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. In the medieval period, Damascus was a center of a flourishing craft industry (swords and cloth). As well as the great Umayyad Mosque, built in the eighth century AD is considered the most splendid edifice between 125 edifices dating back to different stages of history.

The second site is the ancient Bosra city, included in 1980. UNESCO says that the city was the capital of the Arab Romanian province, being an important station on the caravan route to Mecca that has maintained within its thick walls on a wonderful Romanian theater, not to mention the relics of early Christianity and a number of Mosques.

The third site is the site of Palmyra which was as well included in 1980. An oasis in the Syrian desert northeast of Damascus embracing huge relics to a large city, according to UNESCO that formed one of the most important cultural centers in the ancient world due to its location at the crossroads of many civilizations. Consequently Palmyra had arose in its art, engineered machineries of Greek Romanian traditions in addition to the effects of Persia.

The fourth location is the old city of Aleppo which was included on the list in 1986, extending over an area of 355 hectares and having more than 150 significant relics representing different human civilizations of successive eras. Besides the historical patterns of local architectural, and mosaic which has a unique universal value, historical and technical.

The fifth and sixth sites are Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din, which represent the most wonderful models, less damaged and well preserved fortresses. They both illustrate the cultural influence and the military engineering development in the region. They have been included on the list of world heritage in 2006.

The architect Lina Ktafan director of Syrian archaeological registered sites on the list of world heritage says: “The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,  plays an active role in the launch of international initiatives to protect World heritage noting that protection of world cultural and natural heritage convention, which was adopted since 1972 and signed by Syria. Based on the idea that some sites enjoy exceptional and universal value, and from this perspective should be part of the common humankind heritage of countries parties of the convention.  As well recognizing that the responsibility of protecting world heritage lies on the shoulders of the entire international community, without prejudice to the national sovereignty and property rights provided by national legislation”.

… to be continued.

Haifaa Mafalani