A lecture hosted by the Social Forum in Damascus on Tuesday highlighted Syria’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Old Damascus, Aleppo, Bosra, Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers, Saladin Castle, and the Forgotten Cities of the North.
Tourism planning and sustainability expert Faisal Najati, who delivered the lecture, emphasized Syria’s rich cultural and historical assets, calling for renewed international cooperation to reintegrate the country into the global tourism map.
He also highlighted Syria’s intangible heritage, including Qudud Halabiya music, oud craftsmanship, laurel soap, Karakoz and Hacivat theater, falconry, and glassblowing, all reflecting Syria’s diverse cultural identity.
In June 2013, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee placed Syria’s heritage sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger, citing threats linked to the deposed regime’s actions.
Today, Syria’s Directorate of Antiquities and Museums is working with UNESCO to restore and preserve those sites.
