WEEKLY REPORT 55-56
August 18–September 1, 2015
U. S. Dept. Cooperation Agreement Number: NEA-PSHSS-14-001
BY Michael D. Danti, Cheikhmous Ali, Allison Cuneo, Marina Gabriel, Kyra Kaercher, Katherine Burge, LeeAnn Barnes Gordon, and Erin Van Gessel
DOWNLOAD: REPORT
* This report is based on research conducted by the “Safeguarding the Heritage of the Near East Initiative,” funded by the US Department of State. Monthly reports reflect reporting from a variety of sources and may contain unverified material. As such, they should be treated as preliminary and subject to change.
Executive Summary
Throughout the summer of 2015 there was a pronounced increase in the frequency of reported heritage damage, coinciding with multiple episodes of damage in Syria and Iraq occurring within the current two-week reporting period. The magnitude of destruction also increased with several cultural sites completely destroyed. In both Syria and northern Iraq, these increases are linked to ISIL deliberate destructions of heritage places and incidents of vandalism. Within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palmyra, ISIL destroyed the Greco-Roman era Baalshamin Temple (August 23) and the Temple of Bel (August 30). In nearby al-Qariatayn, ISIL destroyed the 5th Century CE monastery of Mar Elian (St . Julian) and abducted 230 Christian residents (August 21). Numerous reports off ISIL destructions of modern cemeteries in Syria also emerged. This follows on the heels of multiple ISIL human atrocities in the Tadmor area, such as the mass execution of prisoners inPalmyra’s Roman theatre and the murder of archaeologist Khaled al-Assaad. In-country sources stated that ISIL plans to destroy ‘many more sites’ at Palmyra and that ISIL has already positionedexplosives there. In-country sources assert that ISIL militants are attacking cultural heritage less for ideological reasons and more to gain media coverage. These sources claim to have overheard ISILcommanders comment that attacking the ancient monuments ‘makes the whole world’ talk aboutthem.
Reported combat damage in Syria remained at elevated levels in Daraa and Hama Governorates.Overall, ISIL’s regional campaign of cultural cleansing and the steady destruction of cultural assets through combat damage, looting, vandalism, and neglect continue unabated.
Key points from this report:
- The Day After Heritage Protection Initiative produced a comprehensive report on the damage to the Khan Assaad Pasha.
- New information on the damage to the German storehouse at Tell Chuera.
- ISIL-affiliates attacked Islamic shrines and cemeteries in Hama, al-Hasakah, and ar-Raqqa Governorates.
- DGAM posted images of possible damage to three sites within the World Heritage Site of Jabal Simeon Park.
- The Dier Mar Elian Monastery in Homs Governorate was intentionally destroyed by ISIL militants while hundreds of native Christians were abducted.
- APSA reports looting at Tell Adeh in Idlib.
- Baalshamin Temple at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palmyra in Syria was intentionally destroyed by ISIL militants.
- The Temple of Bel, also at the site of Palmyra, was severely damaged by ISIL militants.
- In Mosul, modern replicas of Mesopotamian reliefs located in the Nineveh Owbrawi Hotel were defaced by ISIL militants.
- The Abu Bakr Mosque was attacked and two Christian churches were vandalized by ISIL militants.
- Turkish customs officials confiscated 3,300 Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman artifacts discovered in a truck at Istanbul’s Pendik port.
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation is alerting art collectors and dealers to be particularly careful trading Near Eastern antiquities, warning that artifacts plundered by terrorist organizations such as ISIL are entering the marketplace.