Raqqa, Jan. 27 (SANA) Nestled on the banks of the Euphrates, the Raqqa Archaeological Museum offers a window into thousands of years of human history. From its beginnings as an Ottoman government building in 1861 to its current role as a cultural landmark, the museum houses artifacts ranging from the 7th millennium BCE to the medieval Islamic period.
From Ottoman Headquarters to Cultural Landmark
According to the museum’s history plaque, the building was originally constructed in 1861 as a saray a government headquarters under Ottoman rule. It formed part of Raqqa’s administrative network, overseeing local governance and civic affairs. During the French Mandate (1924–1928), the structure was reorganized as part of a wider effort to establish government offices across Syrian cities. By 1946, the two-story building, complete with a rear garden, had been converted into the residence of the French governor, adorned with colorful floor tiles that were possibly imported from France.
Over the years, the building served multiple administrative functions, including Raqqa’s police headquarters (1946–1963) and the Governorate building (1963–1981). In October 1981, it was inaugurated as the Raqqa Archaeological Museum, coinciding with the International Symposium on the History of Raqqa. The museum expanded its garden into an exhibition space, allowing visitors to view large artifacts in an open-air setting. Administrative offices, staff areas, and storage facilities were added to the upper floor.
Collections Spanning Millennia
Today, the museum showcases artifacts from more than a dozen international excavation projects across Raqqa province. The collection spans Pre-Pottery Neolithic times (7th millennium BCE) through the medieval Islamic period (12th–13th centuries CE).
Visitors are greeted by three large mosaic panels from Tell Halawa, striking examples of the region’s artistic heritage. The ground floor features findings from sites along the Euphrates, including Tell Munbaqa, Tell Sheikh Hassan, Hammam al-Turkman, Tell Sabi Abyad, and Tell Chuera. A special exhibit displays a replica of the Resift Silver Treasure, five vessels from the Crusader period, believed to have been buried before historical invasions
The first floor presents artifacts from the Ancient Near East, including discoveries from Tell Bi‘a, ancient Raqqa, Tell Halawa, and Tell al-Abd. The second floor focuses on early Islamic urban life, with items from Abbasid palaces, the Great Mosque of Raqqa, Qasr al-Banat, and industrial areas such as Glass Hill, Tell Aswad, and Tell al-Fakhar.
Rehabilitation and Preservation Efforts
In 2019, the museum underwent a major rehabilitation led by the French association La Guilde Européenne du Raid, in collaboration with local organizations Ru’ya and IMPACT. The project was coordinated with the Raqqa Civil Council and funded by the ALIPH Foundation.
By 2022, preventive conservation measures were introduced, including cataloging remaining artifacts, improving storage conditions, and organizing temporary exhibitions to reconnect the community with its heritage. The museum reopened to the public in November 2023, showcasing five years of restoration and collaboration.
A Testament to Raqqa’s Heritage
The Raqqa Archaeological Museum stands today as a testament to human creativity and resilience. Its collections reveal life along the Euphrates over millennia, from early agricultural societies to sophisticated medieval urban centers. Beyond preserving material history, the museum allows visitors to experience the enduring legacy of Raqqa’s civilizations, connecting the past to the present.
khadega Ali
