Wars not only take the lives of innocent people, but they also destroy cultural and historical references. This is precisely what is happening in Syria since the armed conflict began at the beginning of 2011. And it is that the Islamic State is sowing destruction wherever it passes.
The armed conflict in Syria has caused damage to many emblematic buildings in the territory, including the six jewels of the country recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO . Some of these monuments have suffered irreparable damage and others, unfortunately, have been totally destroyed. As a tribute, today at Vuela Viajes we are going to remind you what these emblematic buildings were like. And, sadly, we will never see them the same again. Would you like to join us?
Damascus Old City
One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that has been destroyed is the Old City of Damascus. It is important to note that Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East (it was founded in the third millennium BC) and that during the Middle Ages it was the center of the artisan industry dedicated to the manufacture of swords and lace.
Site of Palmyra
Unfortunately, Palmyra, an oasis located northeast of Damascus, in the middle of the desert, which houses the monumental ruins of one of the most important cities of antiquity, has also been badly damaged. Having been subdued by different civilizations , the city fuses different styles in both architecture and art. The positive part is that, although many monuments of great historical value have been destroyed, such as the famous Arc de Triomphe in Palmyra, some of the ruins remain intact.
Bosra Old Town
The Old City of Bosra has also suffered the consequences of the war. Former capital of the Roman province of Arabia, it was also an important stage on the caravan route that led to Mecca. Within the solid walls of Bosra is a spectacular 2nd century Roman theater , as well as mosques and early Christian archaeological remains. Unfortunately, some parts of the city have been destroyed.
Old City of Aleppo
Also the Old City of Aleppo, whose origin dates back to the second millennium BC, has suffered irreparable damage. In fact, it is one of the cities most affected by the war. Among the monuments that have been destroyed is the Great Umayyad Mosque, one of the largest in the world. In addition, the Aleppo Souk, the Citadel and the Armenian Cathedral of the Forty Martyrs have been deeply damaged.
Crack of the Knights and Qal’at Salah El-Din
Another historical jewel that has been seriously damaged is the Crac de los Caballeros fortress, which represents one of the best examples of architecture from the time of the Crusades. Built in the 12th century, the fortress had withstood numerous enemy attacks , but due to the air attacks in recent years, a good part of the walls have been destroyed.
Ancient villages of northern Syria
Finally, we want to talk about the Ancient Villages of Northern Syria, also called dead or forgotten cities. It is a site that houses forty villages in northwestern Syria grouped in different archaeological parks. It is certainly a good testimony to rural life in late antiquity and byzantine times. Until the outbreak of war, these villages were characterized by the good state of conservation of both their cultural landscape and the architectural remains of houses, churches, pagan temples, thermal baths, cisterns and other buildings.