How to Preserve Syria's History

One year after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria stands at a crossroads. The 14-year civil war has ended, leaving behind a landscape scarred by conflict, but also rich with opportunity. Among the nation's greatest assets are its ancient sites—six UNESCO World Heritage locations, including Palmyra, Aleppo, and Damascus, alongside lesser-known gems like Apamea. These remnants of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations could become engines of economic revival through cultural tourism. Yet, preserving them demands urgent, coordinated action amid ongoing challenges like looting, damage, and limited resources.

Apamea, once a thriving Seleucid city overlooking the Orontes River, exemplifies both the potential and the peril. Its nearly 2-kilometer Great Colonnade—one of the longest in the Roman world—and vast theater drew admiration before the war. However, during the conflict, the site suffered extensive looting. Treasure hunters dug hundreds of pits across the landscape, stripping mosaics and artifacts for the black market. Similar damage afflicted Palmyra, where ISIS deliberately destroyed temples like Bel and Baalshamin, and sites like the Dead Cities in northern Syria faced neglect and illegal excavations.With the war's end, experts and conservationists are returning. Local tourists have begun trickling back to Palmyra and Crac des Chevaliers, signaling early interest. The interim government, along with organizations like UNESCO and local initiatives, is prioritizing protection. Steps include mapping vulnerable areas, securing perimeters against further looting, and removing landmines that endanger both visitors and workers. Community involvement is key: training locals as guards and guides not only prevents illegal digging but fosters ownership and jobs.International partnerships will be essential.

UNESCO has long advocated for comprehensive conservation plans, emphasizing coordinated management and risk assessment. Funding from eased sanctions—lifted by the EU, UK, and US in 2025—could support restoration. Collaborations with groups experienced in post-conflict heritage, such as those in Iraq or Lebanon, offer models for blending authenticity with accessibility. Digital tools, like 360-degree virtual tours already developed for Palmyra, can promote sites globally while physical work progresses.Sustainable practices must guide efforts. Over-tourism risks further erosion, as seen in humidity damage from crowds at similar sites. Syria can learn from neighbors: limit daily visitors, install pathways to protect fragile areas, and invest in eco-friendly infrastructure. Apamea's open terrain makes it ideal for controlled access, perhaps with elevated walkways preserving the colonnade's grandeur.The economic payoff could be transformative. Pre-war, tourism welcomed 8.5 million visitors annually, generating over $6 billion—about 12% of GDP—and employing millions. Palmyra alone attracted 150,000 monthly at its peak. Reviving this sector could create thousands of jobs in guiding, hospitality, and crafts, particularly in rural areas around Apamea and the Dead Cities.Comparisons abound. Egypt's pyramids and Luxor temples draw 13-15 million tourists yearly, contributing billions and sustaining local economies despite regional instability.

Jordan's Petra, though impacted by recent conflicts (dropping from over 1 million to 250,000 visitors in 2024), historically supports communities through entry fees and artisan sales. Syria, with more UNESCO sites than many peers, has untapped potential. Investments announced in 2025, including $1.5 billion for hospitality and heritage, signal momentum.Challenges remain: sectarian tensions, infrastructure gaps, and global perceptions of instability. Yet, cultural tourism offers more than revenue—it rebuilds national identity. Syria's layered history, from ancient empires to Islamic eras, unites diverse communities. Protecting sites like Apamea honors this shared legacy, drawing visitors seeking authentic experiences beyond headlines.As Syria heals, prioritizing these treasures isn't just preservation—it's investment in a prosperous future. With careful stewardship, Apamea and its peers could once again welcome the world, turning ruins into renewal.