Updating report on statuss of Syrian antiquities ir protection measure es (since beginning of crisis until June 15, 2013) The painful events taking place in Syria all through current crisis have reflected negatively on Syrian cultural heritage; that some archaeological sites in conflict zones have been subjected to acts of valism plunder. In addition, operations of smuggling antiquities artifacts as well as acts of antiquities forgery have been active recently. As well, some historic buildings were damagedd in different governorates. In response, DGAM has been making relentless efforts to reduce impact of current crisis on antiquities sites. Furrmore, it has, in actual fact, achieved a lot of success in protecting all Syrian museums nationwide securing ir holdings; reclaiming part of stolen artifacts by means of border seizerss most importantly bringing about positive results as regards protection of several sites owing to cooperation with local community.
The following is an up-to-date version of report, documenting damage violations at different Syrian museums archaeological sites since beginningg of crisis until 15 th of June, 2013, which was prepared relying on reports information obtained from DGAM through departments of antiquities in different governorates: a. The Syrian museums Assessing Status Quo All museums were emptied of antiquities which were wrapped transferred to safe places; additional iron gates were installed to all museums, all important historic documents manuscripts were transferred to special securee storehouses to be protected against ft, arson humidity. Generally speaking, Syrian museums are all in good condition set aside some damages to following: Thefts were limited to two historic pieces: one of m is a gilt bronze statue, dating back to Aramaic period, from Hama Museum, or is a piece of marble stone from Apamea Museum. The DGAM, in cooperation with Department of Antiquities of Raqqaa staff in charge of Museum of Raqqa, has
confirmed that antiquities of museum are intact in good condition, that most significant antiquities have been transferred to a safe place. In addition, all museum halls have been emptied, antiquities are kept in fortified secure warehouses. The storehouse of Hergla archaeological building, Raqqa, has been subjected to a series of violations by some armed men specialized in antiquities ft. However, storehouse is still protected thanks to efforts of guards of site employees of Directorate of Antiquities in addition to local community in surrounding region who are assisting guards employees. So, in order to ensure safety protection of objects in storehouse, workers of Raqqa Department of Antiquities emptied out storehouse transferred its objects to a safer place having coordinated with gotten permission of central administration of DGAM in Damascus to do that. Aleppo Museum of Folk Traditions has been subjected to ft seeing that thieves took advantage of fact that guards were not present due to violent clashes in region. Hence, thieves made use of one of houses adjacent to museum, made a hole in one of its walls, sneaked into museumm managed to steal some traditional pieces of art such as glassware, Baghdadi daggers, six spears some garments.
The National Museum of Aleppo along with Deir ez-zor Museum suffered from losses such as windows doors smashing due to bombings in neighboring areas. Department of Antiquities in Maarrat al-nu'man confirms that all Maarrat Museum halls are sound intact, its holdings are safe. However, building was subjected to some damages caused by clashess nearby. Media reports have been discussing loss of potteries some or antiquities, which cannot be confirmed without conducting a full inventory, bearing in mind that Department of Antiquities in Maarrat is more inclined to disagree with news. Taibat al-imam Museum, Hama, has recently suffered from some damages to its windows doors. Noneless, mosaic panel is in good condition. Folk art museums in Aleppo, Homs Deir ez-zor were subjected to minor damages. However, all archeological pieces of art were transferred to a safe place. Seventeen pieces of pottery as welll as some clay dolls were stolen from exhibition hall in Jaabar Castle. The collections of Doura Europos Museum were stolen (replicas not originals). Moreover, security room in addition to tickets office weree sabotaged.
b. The archaeologicall buildings sites 1st- Clashes Directorate of Antiquities of Aleppo has confirmed destruction of minaret of Great Umayyad Mosque of Aleppo, one of most important archaeological mosques in Syria. The minaret is considered one of most amazing Islamic minarets in old city of Aleppo inscribed under UNESCO World Heritage List. Neverless, DGAM has not been able to obtain more details or information in this respect down to difficulty in accessing inspecting place. Furrmore, an armed group disassembled wooden minbar (a raised platform) of Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo claimed to be transferring it to anor safe place even though that happened withoutt any prior knowledge of archaeological authorities involved in protecting cultural heritage in Aleppo. Due to clashes, hundreds of historic antique shops as well as goods new wooden doors were burned down in old Aleppo souks such as Al-zerb, Al-Obbi, Al-Atme, Al-Attareen, Al- Niswan, Al-Soof, Al-Sagha. Pictures published by some news agencies have shown that Bimaristan Arghun, Aleppo, (also knownn as Museum of Medicinee Science) suffered from some damages whichh was confirmed by Directorate of Antiquities in Aleppo. Neverless, it seems impossible to determine nature
extent of damage due to difficulty in accessing time being. place for Some buildings in Old Aleppo were damaged as a result of clashes. Some castles (Madiq Castle, Krak des Chevaliers, entrance to Citadel of Aleppo its norrn tower, Shayzar Castle, Rahba Castle) have undergone minor damages in certain positions. Um al-zennar Church in addition to or churches some old souks in Homs were damaged due to clashes. Al-Omari Mosque, Daraa, was subjected to damage as a result of shells affecting its sahn (i.e. courtyard), minaret surroundings, according to a report by Daraa Department of Antiquities clarifying difficulty in documenting nspecting damage directly due to current situation. Historic Hrak Mosque in Izraa suffered from damages in its western wall, norrn wall part of its roof. As well, minarets of both old mosque in city of Sheik Meskeen old mosque in town of Mahajjaa were damaged. Those two latter mosques are registered as traditional non-historic buildings. Mabrak el-naqa building Nymph Temple (also publicly known as King s Daughter s Bed) in Bosra were damaged.
Furrmore, only remaining lintel above damagedd as well as some old houses in Bosra. columns was Some old houses in town destruction because of clashes. of Nawa were subjected to Clashes in Palmyra are taking place in orchards outside city. The damage was minor, specifically, inner wall of west façade of Temple of Bel. 2nd- Construction violations Unlike practices such as secret excavations, valism looting whichh receive high resistance are fought against by local people of areas surrounding archaeological sites, local community does not show same degree of cooperation with regard to recent construction violations that are prevalent as some people are taking advantage of state of chaos due to difficulties in controlling se violations taking place around archaeolo ogical sites. 3rd- Excavating valizing archaeological sitess Antiquities thieves have becomee active at far-off protection archeological sites, taking advantage of difficulty in ensuring few
number of guards. The followings are most serious violations: 1- Hasaka: The Hasaka Directorate of Antiquities pointed out in a report that archeological sites north of governorate have so far been in good condition as no illegal excavations took place, especially important sites where Syrian foreign missions have been conducting explorations for years. Those sites are (Tell Mozan, Tell Leilan, Telll Beydar, Tell Arbeed), y include some of most significant ancient kingdoms in region. The directorate also asserted that Hamokar archaeological site is fine; however, nearby hills suffered from secret excavations. As for (Tell Berry, Tell Brak, Tell Halaf), y have not been subjected to attacks or sabotage. The report showed that absence of valism acts at se important sites is result of cooperation of locals popular protection units in area. There are no specific details or information as regards archaeological sites south of governorate seeing that archaeologists guards cannot access area. However, some residentss of sourn region have reported noticing illegal excavation at some archaeological sites like Tell Ajaja.
2- Raqqa: The Directorate of Antiquities in Raqqa indicated in a report that Jaabar Castel is safe but closed for time being due to presencee of gunmen in area neighboringg villages. Some archaeological sitess in Raqqa have been suffering from illegal excavation, on which DGAM has not been able to obtain any detailed information since guards cannot access place down to violent clashes. Thus, DGAM has relied on information received from some members of local community in region regardingg situation at se sites. 3- Deir ez-zor: Both Mari Doura Europos sites are subject to systematic acts of looting, valism destruction violating ir sanctity by means of fierce secret excavations using heavy machinery. Moreover, according to reports received from Deir ez-zor last April, number of pits resulting from illegal excavations in search of archaeologicall finds at Doura Europos site has amounted to 3000 different-sized pits all over site, particularly Bait Lysias, markets, baths synagogue as well as archaeological buildings within site. What is more, unconfirmed information received by department has referred to discovery of a white stone statue of a two-winged lady carrying a child.in addition, number of pits at Mari site
has totaled about 50 since April. Illegal excavations have focused on Royal Palace, sourn gate, baths, Temple of Ishtar, Temple of Dagan Temple of Goddess of Spring. Besides, accommodations of expedition as well as visitors center have been burgled, some violations have taken place at al-sayal site. Tell Sheikh Hamad site, Deir ez-zor, has been subject to blatant illegal excavations. In addition, accommodations of mission working at site have been burgled. Also dignitaries in village have intervened to put an end to digs resulting damage. Illegal excavations have affected Tell es-sin site, number of pits has exceeded 280 pits leading to uncovering a Roman burial chamber containing five whole skulls skeletons. Consequently, Department of Antiquities of Deir ez-zor asked guard at site to close this burial chamber. Halbia site witnessed blatant excavations using heavy machinery in area of north tower cemeteries adjacent to al-harbi Bridge, to east along Euphrates River next to basilica located in middle of site to west along basalt plateau. The thieves stole protective doors of entrances to gates of towers entrances to Halbia archaeological site, Deir ez-zor. Furrmore, excavation tools of Syrian-French archaeological mission working at site weree stolen as well as one of Directoratee of Tourism caravans servicing at site. In addition, illegal excavations
stopped long ago since y were in vain according to those conducting m. There are 70 1-to-4-meter-deep holes resulting from illegal excavations at al-busayrah site. Excavations using heavy machinery at al-marwanyia month ago. hills, state property al-masayeh stopped Some people from city of Ashara violated a part of Tell Ashara/Terqa which was settled next to bridge with 7 meters deep 15 meters long. 4- Idlib: o Ebla: Illegall digging operations became active at Ebla archeological site by end of December 2012 after a drop in such activities at an earlier time according to reports by Directorate of Antiquities in Idlib. The reports also showed that illegal explorations that Ebla suffered from for months are receding due to nature of site on one h as it is not easy to detect places of treasures, thanks to endeavors of villagers that put an end to those acts on or h. Idlib Directorate of Antiquities provided detailed information on acts of antiquities thieves in Ebla, whichh caused a lot of damage to modern facilities of site such as cafeteria at entrance to
norrn hill newly constructed building southwest site, whichh was supposed to be a center to receive visitors, in addition to service room its facilities. As for damages at historic site its relics, y, for most part, were caused by wear conditions in winter which affected some walls, annually restored by archaeological mission working at site. As well, site suffered from damages caused focused ir attention on following sectors: by some people who -TheAcropolis:Rom holes spread all over courtyards of Royal Palace (G) especially around archive room. Thieves attempted to enter by means of digging holes below some walls in order to reach older levels not explored yet. Moreover, y partly destroyed basalt staircase in administrative suite of palace with purpose of penetrating layers; a number of wells were searched again despite being previously excavated by expedition re. More historic levels were sabotaged in parts of Palace (E). Besides, some insignificant diggings took place at top of Acropolis. -The Norrn Palace (P) Great Temple of Ishtar were subjected to digging operations in some halls, but that posed no real threat. Also, some wells were searched again despite being previously excavated. -The Sourn Palace (FF), located in slope of Acropolis,
suffered from valism minor diggings which did not affect building can be repaired later. -The perpetrators excavated several sectors in Temple of Rock (HH) which was a significant temple in Ebla during ancient Bronze Age ( middle of 3 rd millennium BC). Only one hole was dug re, one well was searched. -The Royal Palace (Q) in addition to fences, gates or sectors of historic hill weree not subjected to any damage. o The deadd cities: Kafr Oqab site of Gebel al-woastani: it has been subjected to destruction damage by antiquities thieves. Moreover, information has confirmed that Kafr Oqab is most damaged most affected site in region in that large deep pits spread all over place. Some of se pits contain virgin cemeteries which have been looted destroyed; in addition, sourn tower has been knocked down nave of church has suffered from secret digs damage. Banassraa site of Gebel al-woastani: site; a 2 x 2m a depth of 90cm pit has a large number of pits have spread all over been seen in Martirio (martyrdom) Chamber in norrn church a similar one in sourn church. Besides, damage to sourn church has caused all stone columns to topple down some parts of mosaic floors to appear. In addition, a
large sarcophagus east of church has been destroyed. Qalb Lozeh of Gebel al-aala: churchh is completely intact apart from breaking four stones of apse. In addition, a carved stone in an embossed distortedd human shape has been found at west end of church. Qarqabiza site of Gebel al-aala: a number of archaeological walls have been damaged; moreover, eastern wall of a house east of church has been destroyed several digs have been spotted. Kfeire site of Gebel al-aala: excavation pits have spread all over place; most dangerous of which has been in Martirio Chamber of church. Furrmore, a small burial ground has been discovered in bottom as a result of breaking stone slabs. Idlib Department of Antiquities has declared thatt nature places of excavations suggest that thieves have contacted antiquities excavation experts seeing that digs are taking place in an orderly fashion focused, in general, on specific places inside churches underneath around sarcophagi searching for treasures archaeological finds. Furrmore, information obtained from local community has confirmed that a lot of antique dealers smugglers, Syrians non-syrians, Turkish in particular, are in region. 1- Gebel az-zawiya Park/ /al-bara, which includes (al-bara, Wadi
Martahun, Magelya, Batirsa, Bshilla, Baoudeh, Sergella, DeLozeh, Shanshrah, Rabeea), suffered from violations valism in some parts: Al-Bara site: - Three stone sarcophagi inside pyramid tomb were broken as well as a gate lintel door of an olive oil mill. Moreover, four historic crowns were stolen. - Some local people are living in around 15 caves refurbishing some ors in addition to rock engraved Byzantine tombs. - Some front parts at site were tarnished due to clashes. These are front parts of Abi Sufyan Castel, pyramidal burial chamber (known as Sawmaa), eastern façade of one of five churches, pyramidal burial chamber (known as Mazuqa) north south, eastern façade of Monastery. Sergella site: - Sign boards were broken as well as sarcophagus at entrance of Sergella site. - Some villagers from Kafr Roma dwell in about 10 historic houses in
Sergella. - The doors, windows, switches of entrance to site were broken. Moreover, office, electricity room tickets office were broken into. Wadi Martahun, Magelya, DeLozeh sites: Batirsa, Bshilla, Baoudeh, Some people have lived refurbished 7 caves; in addition, secret excavation took place in scattered spots. 2- Gebel al-zawyia/al-maara Park, which includes (Jeradee Ruwiha), suffered from secret excavation n, recent building violations reached Jerada site; some façades in Jerade site were tarnished. Furrmore, headquarters homes of foreign expeditions were burgled in Idlib. 5- Aleppo: Al-Deidariya cave in Mount Simeon suffered from acts of sabotage, which included excavation area archaeological sectors previously explored by mission working re; in addition, equipment of excavations, wooden columns boards were looted. Some archaeological sites in regions surrounding Aleppo have
been subject to damage that cannot be identified due to escalating violence. Noneless, according to reports, Simeon Citadel archaeological sites inscribed on World Heritage List are in good condition. 6- Hama: Apamea site ranks as one of most affected sites due to ongoing secret digging operations in east, norast west of city. A comparison between two photos of Apamea archaeological site taken by satellite ( first of which was taken on July 20th, 2011, while second was taken on April 4th, 2012), shows amount of looting destruction site was subject to due to secret excavation. A lot of site. construction stones were stolen from al-andrine historic 7- Homs: The Department of Antiquities of Palmyra has indicated that due to violent clashes in orchards of Palmyra oasis, archaeological area is not accessible as welll as guest house in Temple of Bel storehouse located between temple Triumphal Arch which houses a custodian center in
addition to or storehouses utilized by departmentt some archaeological missions to keep ir equipment some scientificc sampless that are not museum pieces. re is no information on damage affecting archaeological sites hills in Hawdhit al-kom. accommodations of In addition, department cannot exclude archaeological missions from being burgled or destroyed. Tell al-nabi Mo has been subject to various violations; however, re no details regarding illegal digs or extent of damage caused by clashes in region. 8- Damascus its countryside: Al-Suhl site, Yabroud, has been subjected to illegal digs by some antiquities thieves in surrounding area, who are collaborating with Syrian Lebanese antiques dealers. The accommodation of Syrian national mission working at archaeological Tell Saka site was burgled. Khan Atna was burgled. 9- Daraa: anor episode of series of fierce excavation repeats itself at Tell al-ash'ari in Daraa; digs are taking place up hill around its eastern southwestern sides. Also number of pits exceeds
10 ones reaching a depth of 3 meters a diameter of 5 meters, which might cause great damage later if se operations continue at this pace. The cultural scene in Lajat site, an open-air Safaiticinscriptions, was distorted. museumm for Secret limited excavation works are taking place in or places. For example, a report by department has addedd that re were secret digs at Kafr Shams site (Kherbit al-muleha) in addition to Mzerib archaeologicall citadel. Some historic stones were removed from entrancee to western staircase around citadel by anonymous individuals, as well. 10- Lattakia, Tartus, Sweida: Theree are no damages according to reports from those cities. 11- Quneitra: Theree were no damages re except for some construction violations at al-raficonstruction violations. site whichh were dealt with toger with some or
The DGAM through this report seeks to provide an accurate account of archaeological historic sites which were subjected to damages during current crisis. Neverless, we would like to assert that or sites might have suffered from damages that weree not documented by antiquities departments of governorates due to violent clashes in ir surroundings. 4th- Antiquities forgery phenomenonn By way of examining samples from some confiscations, it is evident that artifacts forgery has been active lately as antiquities thieves tend to forge pieces of art sell m as genuine ones such as mosaic panels Palmyra statues. Antiques forgery has been around for years it is punishable by law. Protection procedures
- Precautionary measures Alll archaeological historic pieces of art were amassed in safe secure places, burglar alarms were installed in some museums fortresses. In addition, number of guards was increased. The Interpol was informed about missing pieces all widespread mobile phone pictures believed to be of Syrian historic undiscovered unregistered treasures thieves dug up illegally. Cooperation with international organizations for purpose of exchanging ideas visionss regarding current situation of Syrian cultural heritage has been achieved. Moreover, ICOMOS has organized an e-learning course aiming at enhancing skills of Syrian national cadres in Ways Techniques for Protecting Cultural Heritage in Times of Conflict with participation of international experts from ICOMOS ICCROM. The Ministry of Culture/DGAM specialized authorities ( army, riot forces, police, customs, governorate, municipalities, etc) have taken several measures to protect historic sites. Thanks to this cooperation, stolen antiques weree returned through confiscations in Damascus, Tartus, Palmyra, Homs, Hama, Deir ez- Zor, etc. The number of confiscated items amounted to 4000 including beads, coins, statues mosaic panels, though some of m were fake. Cooperating with Lebanese archaeological authorities as well as
international organizations such as INTERPOL in fight against trafficking in Syrian antiquities has resulted in confiscationn of 18 Syrian mosaic panels on Lebanese borders 73 Syrian antiquities smuggled to Lebanon, which were displayed for sale by antiques dealers. Moreover, British Sunday Times has participated in shedding light on issue by reporting that to INTERPOL, which in turn has providedd DGAM with all detailed data photographs, whichh have been examined by DGAM' 's experts to reveal verify genuinenesss of those antiquities. Furrmore, DGAM is working with Lebanese archaeological authorities in order to return se pieces officially to ir country of origin after completing necessary procedures. Completing Emergency Red List on Syrian cultural objects which is used as a guiding tool contributing to shedding light on samples of Syrian cultural heritage representing Syrian cultural identity in order to facilitate identification process of Syrian antiquities in addition to ir protection restitution of stolen ones. Participating in international workshop, held in Amman, on "Regional training on Syrian cultural heritage: addressing issue of illicit trafficking", initiated by UNESCO contributed to by Swiss government with participation of representatives of heritage departments from neighboring countries, World Customs International Police. The workshop has come up with numerous recommendations such as setting an international
plan by alll parties to work with DGAM on defending safeguardingg Syrian cultural heritage in addition to givingg top priority to completion of Emergenc cy Red List on Syrian cultural objects which will be developed by ICOM. Organizing a workshop on (capacity-building of cultural property), May 12- awareness-raising on fight against illicit trafficking 13, 2013, for purpose of enriching issue of Syrian antiquities smuggled illegally in terms of ir cultural historical significance to Syria, discussing effectiveness of local international laws regulations highlightingg role of state in raising intellectual cognitive awareness between segments of society as regards national antiquities heritage. Besides, representatives of all ministries authorities involved in protection of Syrian cultural heritage as well as members of NGOs local community, researchers, artists writers were amongst participants. Informing UNESCO of damage Syrian archaeological sites have been subject to calling upon organization to urge neighboring countries to prohibit illicit trafficking in Syrian cultural property.
- Launching a national campaign to in protecting Syrian antiquities: involve locall community Within framework of campaign of Ministry of Culture "Syria my homel" ", DGAM has launched a national campaign targeting 23 million Syrians to engage m all in protecting ancient Syrian antiquities cultural heritage, which y take pride in, against ft, valism distortion as it is everyone's responsibility, y should work toger to protect those antiquities. The national campaign started its activities on 15-10-20122 by means of putting up road advertisements in all Syrian cities governorates showing films on national televisions encourag ging Syrians to defend ir Syrian cultural identity. As for interaction with locall community, workers in all directorates of antiquities are collaborating on protecting Syrian antiquities with volunteers, interested people, opinion leaders intellectual, cultural religious elites in order to create a feeling in every Syrian that damaging antiquities is an assault against ir civilization, national identity history. The key issue for DGAM is to play its role in protecting
Syrian cultural heritage all its components seeing that it belongs to alll Syrians regardless of ir political views, which do not concern DGAM at all since battle is about safeguarding history heritagee of a nation. Thus, DGAM has been seeking to unify visions of all Syrians concerning antiquities so as to defend protect m given that y represent thing which has always brought our people toger. Thanks to that, DGAM's performance has been professional, scientific effective, its cadres have remained united in alll governorates. The General Director of Antiquities Museums Prof. Dr. Maamoun Abdulkarim