Damascus, July 23 (SANA) Syria‘s Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) has signed two cooperation agreements with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture – Syria and a Hungarian archaeological mission to restore historic sites in Aleppo and Tartous and resume archaeological work at Al-Marqab Castle in the coastal city of Banias.
The agreements aim to preserve the architectural authenticity of heritage sites, develop long-term conservation plans and involve local communities in restoration projects intended to support cultural tourism and local economies.
Under the agreement with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture – Syria, restoration work will cover several historic markets and Al-Halawiyah School in Aleppo’s Old City, as well as the Tartous Museum, housed in the city’s historic cathedral.
The project includes rehabilitating the markets, restoring Al-Halawiyah School for cultural and educational use, and preparing the Tartous Museum to receive visitors and host cultural events. It also includes training programs for local craftsmen, support for traditional trades and conservation methods that preserve the original architectural character of the sites.
In a separate agreement, the DGAM and a Hungarian archaeological mission led by archaeologist Balázs Major, head of the Department of Archaeology at Pázmány Péter Catholic University, will resume excavations and restoration work at Al-Marqab Castle in Banias.
The project includes archaeological surveys, structural restoration, exhibition spaces and training for Syrian specialists in excavation, documentation and modern conservation techniques. Authorities said the work is intended to protect the site while supporting cultural tourism and local economic development.
DGAM Director-General Masoud Badawi said the agreements would strengthen Syria’s capacity in restoration and digital documentation while accelerating conservation work at major heritage sites, including the Palmyra Museum, Krak des Chevaliers, Deir Ezzor Museum, Damascus Citadel, Aleppo’s historic markets and Al-Halawiyah School, as well as the historic cathedral in Tartous.
He said the partnerships would facilitate the transfer of technical expertise, bring international specialists to work alongside Syrian teams and expand training programs for local professionals.
“Projects to restore heritage sites such as Palmyra and Krak des Chevaliers are not simply conservation efforts,” Badawi said. “They are also investments in the tourism sector.”
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