Idleb, Dec. 3 (SANA) Syria’s Minister of Culture, Mohammed Yassin al-Saleh, announced on Wednesday the recovery of 1,234 archaeological tablets and 198 artifacts, which were returned to the Idleb Museum after years of conflict. He noted that many of the pieces belong to ancient civilizations that once flourished on Syrian soil and credited local residents for their role in preserving the artifacts.
At a press conference held at the Idleb Museum, the Minister hailed the province as “one of the most significant testaments to Syria’s ancient history,” adding that the anniversary of the liberation further underscores its importance to the country.
Al-Saleh stressed that protecting Syria’s cultural heritage is a “red line” and that efforts continue to recover items that were lost during the years of conflict. He also pointed out that Syria’s landscape contains a human legacy that extends far beyond its borders.
The Minister praised the people of Idleb for their exceptional awareness since the beginning of the Syrian uprising, noting that they had stored tablets and artifacts from the ancient kingdoms of Ebla and Mari in private locations for safekeeping.
He explained that attacks by the former regime on the Idleb Museum had damaged protective walls and internal corridors, resulting in the loss of several pieces for many years. After the area was liberated, ministry teams located and recovered the missing collections, including items dating back to nearly 3,200 BCE. These artifacts are connected to the civilizations of Mari, Ebla, Assyria, Sumer, and Akkad, and are crucial for understanding the religious, legal, diplomatic, political, and social structures of the ancient Near East.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing that Syria is reclaiming its heritage, cultural identity, and historical narrative. “We are a civilization deeply rooted in history, and we will not allow our identity to be undermined,” he said.
Idleb Governor Mohammed Abdulrahman added that the province is experiencing one of its most meaningful moments since its liberation, with the return of the lost archaeological treasures. He emphasized that the responsibility and awareness demonstrated by residents were vital in safeguarding these national assets.
