Ghiath Rammo Reports on Syria's Endangered Cultural Heritage in Afrin Region

Syrian archaeologist Ghiath Rammo recounts the cultural treasures at risk in the Afrin region, north of Aleppo, amid ongoing conflict. The area hosts the Dederiyeh cave, where remains of at least 17 Neanderthals were found; the ancient Greek city of Cyrrhus (Nabi Hurri) with a 115-meter-diameter Roman theater; and the Iron Age Ain Dara temple, attributed to the Hittites, featuring basalt lion and sphinx statues and carved footprints. Rammo describes personal visits to these sites in 2013 and 2007. He notes restoration efforts: Italy restored two statues at Palmyra, and a Rome-based expert is working on a recovery project in Aleppo that includes training local youth. Local populations have been protecting traditional houses in Aleppo's old city since the war began.