International Scholars Search for Ways to Protect Syria's Ancient Heritage
After six years of war, it is difficult not to picture a country in total ruin when peace finally comes to Syria. Rebuilding after the carnage and devastation seems like an unimaginable task.
Yet behind the scenes, archaeologists and other scholars across the world are working to save the remains of Syria’s ancient heritage.
Among the many issues that face heritage preservation in Syria is the illegal antiquities trade. Many of the factions involved in the Syrian civil war have turned a blind eye to this trade or even took part in it, notably ISIS and the Assad regime.
But far away from Syria, one university is trying to shed light on some of the possible solutions.
Melbourne University’s Ian Potter Museum of Art is currently hosting an exhibition that focuses on that very challenge. Syria: Ancient History – Modern Conflict “explores three decades of fieldwork conducted by The University of Melbourne in Syria within the context of the current conflict and destruction.”
As well as numerous artifacts, the exhibition includes a collection of archaeological tools and record-keeping devices. Some of these are of historical significance themselves.
Professor Andrew Jamieson is senior lecturer in Near Eastern Archaeology in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies.
Before the war, he was part of attempts to preserve the vast collections that already existed. In 2010, a collaboration known as the Syrian-Australian Archaeological and Historical Research Project was being developed to establish a repository at Qal'at Najm’s castle in Syria.
He also gave an overview of the work of SHIRIN, an international body that aims to preserve and safeguard Syrian sites, monuments and museums. Formed in 2014, it tries to document and assess reported damage. Some scholars were concerned that little was being done despite the existence of 140 foreign excavation permits before the outbreak of war.
Professor Jamieson stressed that it is vital for permit holders to remain engaged. Tasks such as paying guards of these sites are “a last line of defense.”
Other proposed solutions are contentious and the role of digital archaeology is a key issue. For instance, many argue that 3D printing fails to capture the authenticity of the original structures, amounting to little more than the Disneyfication of heritage. They also point out that the fighting is still ongoing: 370,000 Syrians are dead, millions are displaced, and perhaps 50%-70% of the nearby town has been destroyed. Given the pressing humanitarian needs, stabilization alone should be the priority for now.
View of Qal'at Najm from the south.
