Russia and Syrian authorities partner to restore Palmyra after ISIS destruction
Russian cultural and scientific organizations are stepping in to help restore Palmyra, an ancient city in Syria that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, which faced severe destruction during ISIS's control from 2015. A partnership has been formed between the State Hermitage Museum, the Institute of the History of Material Culture from the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Syria's Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM). ISIS specifically targeted important landmarks like the Temple of Bel and the Arch of Triumph, as shown in their propaganda. Tragically, in August 2015, archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad, who oversaw the ancient site, was murdered. Syrian forces, aided by Russian airstrikes, reclaimed the city in March 2017, aiming to restore the cultural heritage that ISIS attempted to erase.
Key facts
- Russia is aiding the rebuilding of Palmyra in Syria.
- Palmyra is a UNESCO World Heritage site damaged by ISIS from 2015.
- The State Hermitage Museum and Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences are involved.
- Syria's Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) is a partner.
- ISIS destroyed the Temple of Bel, Temple of Baalshamin, and Arch of Triumph.
- Archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad was executed by ISIS in August 2015.
- Syrian forces retook Palmyra in March 2017 with Russian air support.
- ISIS's destruction was ideologically driven, as shown in propaganda videos.
Entities
Artists
- Khaled al-Asaad
Institutions
- State Hermitage Museum
- Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences
- Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM)
- UNESCO
Locations
- Palmyra
- Syria
- Russia