Damascus, SANA – The Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) is currently carrying restorations and repairs in a number of archeological sites in Syria that were damaged by terrorist organizations.
DGAM Director-General Maamoun Abdelkarim told SANA that repairs and restorations carried out in 2015 cost around SYP 50 million, stressing their importance in preserving Syria’s cultural heritage as well as documenting the damage caused to sites by terrorists, in addition to reaffirming that Syria is committed to preserving its heritage despite the current circumstances.
Abdelkarim said that repairs and restorations covered a number of castles including Damascus Citadel, al-Mahaliba Castle in Lattakia, and Krak de Chevaliers and al-Zahrawi Palace in Homs, in addition to the minaret of Khaled bin al-Walid mosque in Homs.
He also said that funds have been allocated to carry out repairs in al-Khawabi Castle in Tartous, and that repairs are being conducted to sites in Hasaka city on regular basis.
Abdelkarim also referred to the numerous workshops and training courses organized for DGAM staff and students at the Archeology Faculty in Damascus University.
Hazem Sabbagh