Jan 30, 2024. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
Damascus,
Syria.
Representatives
of UNESCO and Syrian government officials on Monday called for an end to
the violations on the archaeological sites in the Afrin region, northwestern
Syria, by Turkey and its affiliated factions of the Syrian National Army (SNA).
On Monday in the Syrian capital Damascus, the Syrian government’s Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums inaugurated a photography exhibition of the ancient temple of Ain Dara. The participants condemned the Turkish bombardment of the site’s monuments over the past years.
Located
south of the city of Afrin, Ain Dara is a historical and archaeological temple
dating back to the Aramaic period between 1200 and 740 BC. The temple houses
ruins, statues, inscriptions, and artifacts.
The
exhibition in Damascus featured over 50 photographs taken by Syrian
photographers, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the archaeological temple
and its artifacts.
Officials
from the Syrian Ministry of Culture, representatives of UNESCO, archaeology
experts, journalists, and local residents attended the exhibition’s opening.
The
attendees condemned the Turkish aggression on Ain Dara which has been severely
damaged over the years due to Turkish bombardment.
Mahmoud
Hammoud, head of the Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums, stated
that the Turkish aggression has caused the destruction of many important
artifacts in Ain Dara, including the Roman theater, Roman baths, the Grand
Mosque, and the religious school.
He
explained that the artifacts in Ain Dara are part of the world heritage, and
their destruction is a great loss to humanity. He expressed his hope that the
exhibition would contribute to highlighting the importance of Ain Dara.
During the
exhibition, representatives of UNESCO issued an international appeal to stop
the Turkish aggression on archaeological sites in Syria.
In a joint
statement, the UNESCO representatives stated that the Turkish bombardment has
resulted in the destruction of many important archaeological sites in Syria,
including Ain Dara, emphasizing that their destruction is a significant loss to
humanity and that these artifacts are part of the world heritage.
The UNESCO
statement called on the international community to take immediate action to
halt the Turkish aggression on archaeological sites in Syria and protect this
heritage.
North Press