Palmyra to Reopen in 2019 After ISIS Destruction

The ancient city of Palmyra in Syria, severely damaged by ISIS attacks between 2015 and 2016, is set to reopen to visitors in 2019. Governor of Homs province Talal Barazi announced that authorities have a project to repair all damage caused to the site. Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980, was added to the list of World Heritage in Danger in 2013. ISIS occupied Palmyra in May 2015, destroying the Temple of Bel, Temple of Baalshamin, Arch of Triumph, and columns in the Valley of Tombs. They also beheaded archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad. After being expelled by Assad's government forces, ISIS reoccupied Palmyra in March 2016 but lost it again in December 2016. In January 2017, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova described the destruction of the Tetrapylon and Roman theater facade as a war crime. Restoration efforts include a $150,000 UNESCO Emergency Safeguarding project for the Portico of the Temple of Bel. The National Museum of Damascus completed restoration of the Lion of Al-lāt statue in October 2017. Two funerary statues hidden by Khaled al-Asaad were restored by an Italian team using 3D printing and nylon powder. Barazi stated that Palmyra should be fully ready to receive tourists by summer 2019.