Ancient Villages of Northern Syria (inscribed in 2011)
Commonly known as “The Dead or Forgotten Cities,” a total of 40 villages grouped in eight
archeological sites lie in the northwestern governorates of Idlib and Aleppo. These villages boast an outstanding historical significance, as they serve as evidence of what rural life was like in Late Antiquity and the Byzantine period. These abandoned cities contain ancient dwellings, pagan temples, churches, and bathhouses dating to the 1st- 7th centuries AD. One ancient cathedral in the village of Qalb Lozé is believed to be the architectural inspiration for Paris’s Notre Dame.
The Ancient City of Aleppo (inscribed in 1986)
Aleppo has been a crown jewel for several peoples and empires, such as the Arameans, Hittites, Assyrians, Mamluks, and Ottomans, to name a few. Its prime geographical location, fertile lands, and abundant natural resources made it a coveted prize for several rulers. Aleppo’s ancient citadel, Great Mosque, and other gems of antiquity that are scattered around in its narrow alleyways and covered souks all contributed to its global recognition.
The Ancient City of Damascus (inscribed in 1979)
Believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited capital in the world, Damascus bears the vestiges of countless empires and cultures, including the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine empires, and various Islamic dynasties. Roman walls surround the city, and it is traversed by the Decumanus Maximus (“The Straight Street” mentioned in the Bible). It is home to many historical courtyard-houses, old mosques and churches, and ancient ruins. Most prominent among its historical buildings are the Umayyad Mosque, Chapel of Saint Ananias, and Al Azm Palace.
The Ancient City of Bosra (inscribed in 1980)
Home to one of the world’s most well-preserved Roman theaters, Bosra is an open-air museum studded with remnants of the Nabatean, Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods. The earliest mention of Bosra as a major trading-hub is in some Egyptian tablets dating to the 14th century BC. Roman bathhouses, early Christian monuments, and some of the Arab world’s oldest mosques are among its most significant landmarks.
The Site of Palmyra (inscribed in 1980)
Human habitation of Palmyra dates back to the Stone Age. Although it is located in the heart of the Syrian Desert, it was originally near a fertile oasis. It was conquered by the Arameans in the second millennium BC, and its inhabitants spoke Aramaic for much of its history, even after it was conquered by other peoples. Its city plan and magnificent monuments feature a blend of Greco-Roman, Mesopotamian, and Persian influences. After it was conquered by the Romans, it connected the Roman Empire with Mesopotamia and the Near East, and it was a major trading post on the Silk Road. However, during the Syrian war, ISIS vandalized Palmyra, sadly causing major destruction to the site. Thankfully, despite the horrible damage, much of Palmyra still remains.
The Krak des Chevaliers (inscribed in 2006)
The Krak des Chevaliers (Castle of the Knights) is one of the world’s best-preserved Crusader castles. It was first constructed in 1031 to house Kurdish troops, which gave it its original name of “Hosn Al-Akrad” (Fortress of the Kurds). In 1142, it passed to the control of the Crusaders, who held it until 1271. It underwent significant expansion in the 13th century, which gave it several Gothic architectural elements, such as its thick limestone walls, rounded towers, and advanced defensive structures. Work on its construction continued even after the Mamluks captured the castle. Today, it ranks among the world’s most admirable architectural marvels.
The Fortress of Saladin (inscribed in 2006)
The Fortress of Saladin, also known as “Sahyun Castle,” sits on a rocky cliff 30 km east of the city of Latakia, a city on Syria’s Mediterranean coast. It has been a fortified site since at least the mid-tenth century AD, and its first known use was by the Muslim rulers in Aleppo. The castle underwent a major reconstruction program in 975 under the Byzantines, who reclaimed this region of Syria from the Muslims for roughly 130 years. It then served as a stronghold for the Franks (European Crusaders), before it was taken by the Ayyubid Saladin in 1188. Today, it stands in a state of partial preservation, after suffering a great deal of damage in recent years due to the Syrian War.
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The gates of Damascus speak to the rich history of the city. Not only did they once protect the city from invaders, they also give our present society a glimpse