New Syrian Antiquities Director Anas Haj Zidan Outlines Recovery Plans

Dr. Anas Haj Zidan, the newly appointed Director General of Syria's Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM), emphasized the critical condition of the nation's cultural heritage following 14 years of conflict. He pointed out issues such as illegal excavations, bombings, and the military's use of archaeological sites. While museums in Daraa, Suwayda, Aleppo, and Damascus remain undamaged, significant destruction has occurred in Palmyra, Raqqa, and Arwad, with the Arwad Museum recently suffering looting. Haj Zidan, who earned a master's degree in Florence and a PhD from Sapienza University, aims to organize international donor conferences, revive foreign missions, and create postgraduate departments. A virtual meeting with archaeological missions is scheduled for the end of the month, and he is collaborating with UNESCO and ICOM to reclaim trafficked artifacts.