Italian Soft Power in Syria Through Archaeology

The historical connections between Syria and Italy, dating back to ancient Mediterranean interactions, have been fortified through archaeological diplomacy. In 1548, Venice set up a consulate in Aleppo, marking the beginning of these ties. After World War II, Italy initiated modern archaeological missions in Syria, further solidifying their relationship. Italian universities such as Roma Tre and Sapienza have provided training for Syrian students in fields like medicine and archaeology. Key individuals in this collaboration include Diala Barakat, Syria's Minister of Culture, and Anas Haj Zidan, the Director of the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums. Amid the Syrian war, the archaeological community faced discussions on whether to continue fieldwork. The article criticizes political leaders for not utilizing soft power effectively, calling on Italy to engage its cultural resources to foster dialogue between civilizations.