Homs, Oct. 22 (SANA) Restoration work at the historic al-Zahrawi Palace in Homs has reached around 80% completion, with the building expected to be ready to host cultural events within three months, Culture Minister Mohammad Yassin al-Saleh said on Tuesday.
The project aims to preserve the palace’s historical and archaeological value and architectural identity while rehabilitating it to resume its cultural role, al-Saleh said during a visit to the site.
Speaking to journalists, the minister said the palace would host events organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM), Homs Governorate and the local community once the restoration is complete. It will also accommodate cultural activities organized by the investor under the agreement in place.
Al-Saleh said the investor had donated 6 billion old Syrian pounds toward the restoration. He added that the project was launched after the relevant authorities reviewed and assessed the submitted proposal, with the work being carried out under the supervision of Homs Governorate, the Ministry of Culture and the DGAM.
Regarding questions raised about the contract and restoration work, the minister stressed the importance of relying on official documents and reports, noting that the competent authorities had issued clarifications on the matter.
Restoration focuses on preserving architectural features
Hussam Hamish, head of the Antiquities and Museums Department in Homs, said the work was limited to rehabilitating the building and preserving its architectural features, and did not involve demolishing or rebuilding walls.
The work has included repairing faults in the fresh-water and sewage networks, addressing leaks that affected the building’s flooring, removing previous encroachments and treating damage caused by humidity, as well as wooden interventions and paintwork that had affected the palace’s appearance.
Hamish said restoration and rehabilitation work is also expected to extend to the historic Mufid al-Amin House in Homs. The project there will focus on restoring and securing the building and preserving its heritage features without dismantling and rebuilding its components.
A landmark spanning two historical eras
Located in Homs’ al-Hamidiyah neighborhood, al-Zahrawi Palace dates back to 661 AH, corresponding to 1262–1263 AD. It consists of two main sections, the older of which dates to the Mamluk era, while the southern section received architectural additions during the Ottoman period.
The palace is distinguished by its inner courtyard, an iwan featuring a shell-shaped dome and muqarnas ornamentation, and stone inscriptions bearing the emblem of Mamluk Sultan al-Zahir Baybars.
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