UNESCO condemns Turkish encroachment on historic Aramaic settlement of Ain Dara in northern Syria

HOLEB, Syria — On Monday, the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums of the Syrian government opened a photo exhibition showcasing the Aramaic archaeological marvel of Ain Dara, located north of Holeb (Aleppo) in the vicinity of Cafrin (Afrin). Organized in Daramsuq (Damascus), the exhibition was attended by UNESCO representatives, officials from the Syrian Ministry of Culture, archaeological experts, media professionals, and local residents.

Featuring over 50 photographs captured by Syrian photographers, the exhibition aimed to spotlight the beauty and diverse monuments of the archaeological city.

During the opening ceremony, participants condemned the Turkish encroachment on the historic site which has damaged the site.

UNESCO representatives seized the occasion to issue a global appeal, urging an immediate halt to Turkish destruction of Syrian antiquities. They lamented that Turkish bombings had led to the irreversible destruction of numerous significant archaeological sites, including at Ain Dara. Emphasizing that these monuments constitute part of the world’s cultural heritage, they called upon the international community to take swift action in safeguarding Syria’s rich historical legacy.

Ain Dara holds immense historical significance, dating back to the Aramaic era between 1200-740 BC. The city boasts an array of monuments, including a temple adorned with statues, inscriptions, and various other antiquities.