Syrian Uprising Threatens Survival of Treasured Historic Landmarks

Christian Sahner reports on the devastating destruction of historical sites that has befallen Syria since the beginning of the opposition uprising 18 months ago, and urges international communities to take action to protect them from further harm.

2 minute read

August 29, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By Emily Williams


Syria is home to some of the world's most treasured historical sites, but throughout the chaos of the Syrian uprising, they have come under attack from shelling, gunfire and looting, common occurrences which Sahner claims draws "ominous comparisons to postinvasion Iraq."

"As war has engulfed the country, security resources normally allocated for protecting monuments have been redeployed to the battlefield. The fighting has drawn few distinctions between civilian and military targets, leaving many sites exposed to damage." Several Unesco World Heritage sites are under threat due to decreased security, including the Crusader fortress Crac des Chevaliers - "regarded as the finest example of medieval castle architecture anywhere in the world" - whose outer walls were damaged due to shelling from gunfire, and the ancient city of Palmyra, which has reported cases of looting in various locations throughout the site.

In order to save Syria's ancient landmarks for future generations, he proposes several solutions to safeguard them from future attacks, including publicizing the damage and strengthening "legislation against the illegal antiquities trade." Sahner argues that the protection of these landmarks is a priority in re-establishing the country when the uprising ceases. "Syria's cultural patrimony can play a crucial role as a reminder to the country of its diversity and achievements across the ages, as well as a symbol of pride and unity going forward."

Thanks to Daniel Lippman

Monday, August 20, 2012 in The Wall Street Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight