globalvoices:

Alongside the mounting death toll, a massacre is being perpetrated against Syria’s heritage. 

Did you know  that six sites in the country are on the UNESCO World Heritage List? They are the Ancient City of Aleppo, Ancient City of Bosra, Ancient City of Damascus, Ancient Villages of Northern Syria, Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din Site of Palmyra. Also, another 12 historic sites are also on a tentative list.

Since March 30, 2012, UNESCO has been appealing to the world to save Syria’s monuments. Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General said: “Damage to the heritage of the country is damage to the soul of its people and its identity.” The city of Aleppo, in particular, has been caught in the crossfire between the rebels and the regime’s army. This has prompted once more the UN institution and its affiliate, the World Heritage Committee to raise the alarm. Destruction, pillaging, looting and illicit trafficking … this is the fate of a treasure which has survived for thousands of years.

In order to document the damage targeting Syria’s history, a Facebook page and YouTube account have been created on under the title The Syrian archaeological heritage under threat, with information available in Arabic, French, English and Spanish. No information is available on the real identity of those behind that page but it seems they are a group of Syrian or expatriate archeologists, who have worked in the country.

Read more on Global Voices.

(via sharquaouia-deactivated20121015)