Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
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Damascus, SANA – Representing President Bashar al-Assad, Vice President Najah al-Attar presented the Syrian Order of Merit of Excellent Degree to the family of the late archeologist Khaled al-Asaad in a ceremony held on Wednesday at Al-Assad National Library.
President Bashar al-Assad issued a decree granting al-Assad the Order of Merit for his achievements in the field of archeology. Al-Asaad was murdered by ISIS terrorists on August 18th in Tadmur (Plamyra).
In a speech at the ceremony, al-Attar saluted the late archeologist, asserting that he will never be forgotten and that he lives on in the hearts and memories of Syrians, adding that history will remember his achievements and the crimes of those who murdered him.
The ceremony was attended by Speaker of the People’s Assembly Mohammad Jihad al-Lahham and numerous officials and figures.
Khaled al-Asaad was born in Tadmur (Palmyra) in 1934. He received a degree in history and a diploma in education from Damascus University, and was head of the studies and excavations department at the Archeology Directorate in Damascus, as well as working at Al-Azem Palace in Damascus, before becoming the head of the Tadmur Archeology Department and curator of the city’s national museum until 2003.
Al-Asaad made numerous important archeological discoveries in Palmyra, and was instrumental in renovating and repairing sites, landmarks, and artifacts in the ancient city. He was also versed in the old Palmyran language.
Hazem Sabbagh
