WEEKLY REPORT 57-58
September 2–15, 2015
U. S. Dept. Cooperation Agreement Number: NEA-PSHSS-14-001
BY Michael D. Danti, Allison Cuneo, Susan Penacho, Kyra Kaercher, Katherine Burge, Mariana Gabriel, and LeeAnn Barnes Gordon
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
During the reporting period, ASOR CHI documented severe damage to seven of Palmyra’s tower tombs caused by ISIL deliberate destructions using explosives. During this same period, ISIL released information on social media sites and in its magazine Dabiq on its deliberate destructions of several major buidlings at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ancient City of Palmyra — the Baalshamin Temple and the Temple of Bel — and the Deir Mar Elian (Mar Elian Monastery). The Baalshamin Temple and Temple of Bel destructions have been verified using satellite imagery. ASOR CHI also documented new looting and other damage at the sites of Apamea and Tell Houach in Hama Governorate while under Syrian Regime control. This report also includes a special report from The Day After Protection Initiative on ISIL looting in northern Syria including details on damage to 11 sites in the Membidj area and 5 sites in the Jerablus area in Aleppo Governorate.
Key points from this report:
- New evidence of undocumented destruction in the Valley of the Tombs at Palmyra, including severe damage and total destruction of seven Tower Tombs using DigitalGlobe satellite imagery.
- Satellite imagery shows ongoing looting and militarization at the site of Apamea and new evidence of these activities at Tell Houach.
- New propaganda from ISIL was released, depicting the destruction of the Deir Mar Elian monastery, the Baalshamin Temple, and the Temple of Bel.
- DigitalGlobe satellite imagery confirms the extent of damage to the Baalshamin and Temple of Bel.
- The Day After Heritage Protection Initiative produced a comprehensive report on the damage to archaeological sites in the Manbej and Jarablus Regions.