A Scientific Seminar at the Faculty of Tourism: “Syrian Museums Today and in the Future”

A scientific symposium entitled “Syrian Museums Today and in the Future” was held at the Faculty of Tourism, Damascus University, in cooperation with the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums and the National Union of Syrian Students, on International Museum Day.

Professor Dr. Issam Haidar, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism pointed out that it is significant for students as well as professors to know more about this topic and hold such joint events, with the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums, in order to enhance students’ experience, contribute to the educational process in the faculty and provide visions on the way forward regarding Syrian antiquities and museums.

Director of Antiquities and Museums, Mr. Muhammad Nazir Awad, presented an overview of the Syrian museums since 2010. He pointed out that the Syrian museums contain rare and artistic pieces.

Director of Excavations at the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums, Dr. Hammam Saad, presented an overview of the archaeological sites in Syria and the damage which occurred to them during the war, such as theft, vandalism, and random excavations in some sites. According to Dr. Saad, there are more than 15,000 registered archaeological sites in Syria, most of which contained artifacts documented by 150 foreign excavation missions to Syria before 2010.

Dr. Saad presented examples and models of the Syrian stolen artifacts around the world and talked about the efforts exerted to recover them. He also presented about the recovered items highlighting the positive role of the locals to protect the museums and the Syrian artifacts.