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DOI: https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2024.76.04.14
How to Cite:
Golkarian, S. (2024). Conserving Palmyra's Ancient Heritage: Challenges, Strategies, and Innovative Solutions. Amazonia
Investiga, 13(76), 173-187. https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2024.76.04.14
Conserving Palmyra's Ancient Heritage: Challenges, Strategies, and
Innovative Solutions
Palmyra'nın Kadim Mirasını Korumak: Zorluklar, Stratejiler ve Yenilikçi Çözümler
Received: March 1, 2024 Accepted: April 25, 2024
Written by:
Shabnam Golkarian1
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1858-0133
Abstract
The ongoing conflict in Syria has inflicted
significant damage on the cultural heritage of
Palmyra, with monuments, temples, and tombs
severely destroyed or damaged, and valuable
artifacts lost due to looting and illegal
excavation. Inadequate funding, resources, and a
lack of a legal framework for heritage protection
exacerbate the situation. This article explores
various conservation strategies to address these
issues, including international cooperation,
documentation and mapping of archaeological
sites, community engagement, and the
establishment of a legal framework for heritage
protection. Case studies of successful
conservation projects offer valuable insights into
effective strategies for preserving cultural
heritage in conflict-affected areas. Additionally,
the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)
presents promising solutions for heritage
conservation. AI technologies can assist in
documenting and mapping archaeological sites,
assessing damage, predicting future threats, and
creating virtual reconstructions of destroyed
heritage buildings. This study aims to analyze the
obstacles in conserving Palmyra's heritage
buildings during the Syrian conflict and propose
effective strategies for conservation. The
research addresses challenges such as conflict,
looting, inadequate resources, and the lack of a
legal framework for heritage protection.
Preserving Palmyra's ancient heritage is crucial
for humanity's cultural legacy. Despite these
challenges, the international community, local
stakeholders, and innovative technologies offer
hope for restoration and preservation.
1
Assist.Prof.Dr. Shabnam Golkarian, Department of Architecture, Near East University, Near East Boulevard, Nicosia, Turkey.
WoS Researcher ID: GZA-9671-2022
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Keywords: Heritage Conservation, Palmyra,
Cultural Heritage, AI, Innovative Conservation
Strategies.
Introduction
Syria, renowned for its rich cultural legacy, is
home to numerous ancient archaeological sites,
museums, and monuments. However, the
ongoing conflict has severely impacted the
country's heritage, with the ancient city of
Palmyra suffering immensely. Palmyra, with its
majestic Roman ruins, is a globally recognized
archaeological treasure, offering an enthralling
glimpse into the past. Located in central Syria,
Palmyra has been the epicenter of the Syrian
conflict since 2011, suffering extensive
destruction when it was captured by the Islamic
State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in May 2015. This
devastation includes the deliberate destruction of
monuments, temples, and tombs, coupled with
widespread looting and illegal excavations,
resulting in the loss of invaluable artifacts.
Protecting cultural heritage in conflict zones is a
complex and challenging task. Historical data
reveal a tragic pattern of targeted cultural
heritage destruction, such as the Mostar Bridge
in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Bamiyan
Buddhas in Afghanistan, and the mausoleums in
Timbuktu, Mali, (Figure 1). These acts are not
only aimed at erasing physical remnants of the
past but also at destroying a people's cultural
identity and history. This form of psychological
warfare undermines a group's sense of identity
and community, with far-reaching consequences
for future generations. The destruction of cultural
heritage often coincides with mass atrocities,
including genocide, war crimes, crimes against
humanity, and ethnic cleansing, aiming to erase
both individuals and the cultural legacies that
shape their identities.
As part of the development of the conflict in
Syria, it is important to consider such an aspect
of the "hybrid war" as information and
psychological pressure on the opponent,
(Mansurov & Krylov, 2018). Numerous
international and local groups have taken
preemptive steps to conserve and protect these
priceless cultural assets in response to the threats
facing Palmyra and other heritage sites in Syria.
In organizing worldwide efforts to protect Syria's
cultural legacy, UNESCO has been a key player.
As defined by UNESCO, encompasses both
tangible and intangible elements that are
inherited from previous generations and are
representative of a society's culture and way of
life (Albayati & Alobaydi, 2023). In order to
support local people and authorities in their
conservation efforts, the organization has given
vital support in the form of technical assistance,
capacity-building programs, and emergency
interventions (UNESCO). The Syrian
government and local communities have taken
steps to protect and preserve heritage sites
despite the ongoing conflict and scarce resources
(Intagliata, 2016).
Palmyra's significance extends beyond its
historical and cultural legacy. It underscores the
necessity of safeguarding the world's
architectural heritage and maintaining our
cultural memories. Innovative technologies,
particularly artificial intelligence (AI), offer
promising solutions for heritage conservation. AI
can assist in documenting and mapping
archaeological sites, assessing damage,
predicting future threats, and creating virtual
reconstructions of destroyed heritage buildings.
AI platforms such as Midjourney and DALL-E 3
provide advanced tools for visualizing and
reconstructing heritage sites, facilitating efforts
to preserve and restore Palmyra's cultural
treasures.
This article explores the obstacles and strategies
for conserving Palmyra's ancient heritage amidst
the Syrian conflict. It adopts a multidisciplinary
approach, combining quantitative and qualitative
data collection, to analyze the challenges and
propose effective conservation strategies. By
examining successful case studies and leveraging
AI technologies, this study aims to provide
practical solutions to preserve Palmyra's cultural
legacy. The research addresses the critical need
for international cooperation, community
engagement, and the establishment of a robust
legal framework for heritage protection, offering
hope for the restoration and preservation of
Palmyra's heritage for future generations, (Figure
2).
Golkarian, S. / Volume 13 - Issue 76: 173-187 / April, 2024
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Figure 1. Map of Roman Syria.
Source: (Intagliata, 2016).
Figure 2. Palmyra before Destruction.
Source: (Intagliata, 2016).
The Importance of Palmyra: Palmyra's
importance stems from its rich historical
background and cultural legacy, which have
drawn interest from various groups over the
years. Destroying the historic buildings and
cultural legacy of Palmyra emphasizes the
necessity of safeguarding the world's
architectural legacy and maintaining our cultural
memories (Denker, 2022). The palmyra tree,
which is towering and swinging and well-known
for its many purposes, is also important to Indian
agriculture. Farmers value the tree as a valuable
resource because of the various uses for its fruit,
leaves, and sap. In numerous places, such as
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Cambodia, and Indonesia,
palmyra trees hold great cultural significance as
emblems of their individual cultures (Jana &
Jana, 2017). Palmyra is more important than its
cultural and agricultural significance. In order for
future generations to learn about and appreciate
the artistic brilliance and resourcefulness of
earlier civilizations, the relics of this city must be
preserved. The use of intelligent reality in 3D
visualization offers a new method of "post-
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trauma reconstruction," which can help restore
lost cultural assets (Denker, 2022), (Figure 3). A
detailed analysis of the phytochemicals—the
bioactive compounds found in spices—as
immunomodulatory agents demonstrates the
importance of these molecules. When creating
goods that include spices, such as the Trikatu
Syrup made from Palmyra palm neera, this calls
for a thorough investigation into these bioactive.
The historical background, cultural legacy,
agricultural importance, and architectural
significance of Palmyra all contribute to its
relevance. Palmyra's ruins and cultural legacy
must be preserved so that future generations
might benefit from and enjoy them. The
reconstruction and standardization of lost
cultural heritage and spice-based formulations
can be aided by the application of modern
technologies such as NMR-based phytochemical
profiling and 3D visualization with intelligent
reality, (Figure 4).
Figure 3. Palmyra tourist map (DGMA).
Source: (Arkawi, 2017).
Figure 4. Installation of the three-dimensional model in Toronto. Iconem’s virtual reconstruction.
Source: (Intagliata, 2016).
Heritage Conservation in Syria: Challenges
and Context: The prolonged military conflict
makes it extremely difficult to preserve Syria's
cultural heritage, which has disastrous effects on
the country's monuments and cultural assets. For
the intention of eradicating the sense of
community and collective memory of the
populations to whom these heritage sites belong,
militant militants, especially ISIS, have
deliberately destroyed archeological sites,
museums, historical landmarks, and local
sanctuaries (Harmanşah, 2015), (Figure 5).
These attacks aim to deprive the Syrian people of
their identity, history, and knowledge, which is
revealed by the methodical destruction of
tangible cultural property from Syria. The
nation's cultural legacy has not been well
preserved by the current Syrian archaeological
authority, the DGAM. Reconstruction initiatives
for Syria's ancient heritage have been abandoned
as a result of its deference to the ruling authorities
and refusal to work with skilled Syrian
professionals who left the country at the
beginning of the crisis. The DGAM, the only
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authority in Syria following ten years of fighting,
is driving the "Syrian archaeological question"
into a devastating cycle that is destroying its
noble qualities, especially those related to
"human archaeology" (Al-Maqdissi, 2020). The
inability of archaeologists and cultural heritage
experts to enter the conflict zone makes it
difficult to adequately assess the damage and
makes it more difficult to develop methods for
effective mitigation. However, the use of
modern, high-resolution satellite images for
satellite-based monitoring has made it possible to
record and assess damage to ancient sites in
southern Turkey, northern Iraq, and Syria
flexibly and effectively. In addition to providing
a possible paradigm for upcoming remote
sensing-based initiatives to monitor
archaeological and cultural treasures in the
Middle East and beyond, our method makes
spatial and temporal inquiries easier (Casana &
Laugier, 2017). As a result of the prolonged
fighting, the devastation of historic sites, and the
dubious actions of the current archaeological
authority, Syria's cultural legacy is facing
formidable challenges that must be overcome. In
order to evaluate and safeguard cultural assets in
Syria and other areas, remote sensing
technologies—such as satellite-based
monitoring—are crucial because access is
restricted for experts on the ground.
Figure 5. Site plan of Palmyra and the modern city GIS/ 2016 & the Site of Palmyra.
Source: (Casana & Laugier, 2017).
Theoretical Framework or Literature Review
Historical Significance of Palmyra and Its
Cultural Heritage
The city of Palmyra in Syria is a valuable cultural
heritage site known for its many historically
significant structures (Arkawi, 2017). Due to its
immense importance, the city was added to the
national and international heritage registers in
1980. Palmyra was a center of regional trade and
commerce and had a unique blend of Eastern,
Western, and Indigenous artistic traditions in its
art and architecture (Ibrahim, 2020).
Unfortunately, the Syrian conflict caused
significant damage to Palmyra, destroying
buildings like the Castle, the Arch of Triumph,
the Temple of Ba'al, and the Temple of Bael-
Shameen (Arkawi, 2017), (Figure 6). The people
of the city were forced to leave, and Palmyra's
reputation as an oasis was lost. Aleppo, another
well-known cultural heritage site in Syria, is one
of the world's oldest continuously inhabited
towns and became a World Heritage City in 1986
(Ibrahim, 2020). Aleppo also suffered significant
damage during the Syrian crisis. In conclusion,
Aleppo and Palmyra, with their significant
cultural heritage value, have both faced
substantial destruction due to the Syrian conflict.
The destruction has led to the relocation of local
populations, and effective institutions are
required to handle the complex conservation
issues that arise following such conflicts.
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Figure 6. The main monuments in Palmyra’s site.
Source: (Intagliata, 2016).
Challenges to Heritage Conservation in
Conflict Zones
Conserving heritage in conflict zones poses
major challenges, including the impact of
conflict on architectural heritage, balancing
preservation with economic considerations, and
the clash between traditional landscapes and
imposed preservation strategies. Inflexible
preservation strategies imposed on traditional
cultural landscapes can disrupt the harmonious
relationship between these landscapes and the
preservation approaches, leading to negative
consequences for both management and local
communities.
Balancing heritage preservation with economic
considerations requires the sustainable utilization
of heritage resources. However, overlapping
organizational structures complicate
conservation efforts, leading to coordination
issues and hindering effective decision-making
and implementation. To overcome these
challenges, it is essential to develop adaptive
strategies that balance heritage preservation with
the needs of local communities and the broader
socio-economic context.
Several initiatives have been taken to protect
cultural heritage in Syria. One notable effort is
the Protect and Preserve Cultural Property Act
proposed in the United States, aiming to establish
a coordinator and committee responsible for
cultural heritage preservation efforts (Fincham,
2015). UNESCO has been actively involved in
preserving Syrian cultural heritage, designating
six World Heritage sites in Syria as being in
danger in 2013 (Arkawi, 2017). The organization
has called for increased efforts to safeguard
Syrian heritage and condemned the destruction
of the Tetrapylon and extensive damage to the
Theatre in Palmyra, both UNESCO World
Heritage sites. Additionally, a workshop focused
on Palmyra was organized to envision the
reconstruction and revival of this historically
significant site, incorporating new ideas and
technology (Arkawi, 2017).
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Strategies for Heritage Conservation in
Conflict Zones
"Preserving cultural heritage in conflict zones
requires a comprehensive strategy to address the
damage caused by war and conflict. One
effective approach involves using satellite
imagery to monitor archaeological sites and
assess the impact of conflict. This method helps
determine the extent of damage and develop
mitigation strategies and policies to protect
cultural heritage. For example, a collaborative
project between the American Schools of
Oriental Research and the US Department of
State used satellite imagery to track damage to
archaeological sites in Syria, northern Iraq, and
southern Turkey. The project developed a
flexible and efficient methodology for
documenting damage, enabling spatial and
temporal queries that reveal unexpected patterns
in damage severity, timing, and location (Casana
& Laugier, 2017).
Digital tools and techniques offer another avenue
for heritage preservation. 3D visualization
facilitated by Intelligent Reality allows for
modeling and reconstructing lost heritage. This
method can be applied to resurrect the vanished
heritage of Palmyra, which suffered destruction
during the Syrian conflict (Denker, 2022).
Considering heritage as a stabilizing element
within these territories makes it possible to
transform initial clashes into strategies that can
serve as guiding principles for resolving regional
heritage conflicts (Pages Madrigal, 2021).
Engaging local communities is vital for
effectively managing monuments and preserving
cultural heritage. Protecting cultural heritage is
closely intertwined with improving residents'
quality of life, reinforcing their sense of identity,
and fostering stronger bonds with their place of
residence. Consequently, facilitating
collaboration between authorities and local
communities is essential for achieving
sustainable development goals in heritage
conservation (Ćwik, 2020).
The Impact of Armed Conflict on Cultural
Heritage In Syria
Due to the inaccessibility of conflict zones,
accurately assessing the extent of damage has
been challenging for heritage specialists and
archaeologists. However, a collaborative project
involving the American Schools of Oriental
Research (ASOR) and the US Department of
State has used advanced satellite imagery to
monitor and evaluate damage to archaeological
sites in Syria, northern Iraq, and southern
Turkey. This extensive analysis, covering nearly
5000 sites, has revealed unexpected patterns
regarding the damage's timing, severity, and
locations, contributing to a better understanding
of the evolving cultural heritage crisis in the
region (Casana & Laugier, 2017).
During the conflict, the Directorate-General of
Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) in Syria has
played a negative role in preserving the country's
national heritage. Its subordination to the current
powers and reluctance to cooperate with
qualified Syrian experts who emigrated at the
beginning of the crisis has resulted in the
abandonment of reconstruction projects for
ancient Syrian heritage. As the sole authority in
Syria after a decade of conflict, the DGAM's
actions have led to the deterioration of the
"Syrian archaeological question," causing
significant damage and the loss of its inherent
values, including those related to "human
archaeology" (Al-Maqdissi, 2020), (Figure 7).
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Figure 7. The monumental arch plan – marked with alphabet for restoration work.
Source: (Amy, 1993).
Assessing the damage to buildings, structures,
and cultural heritage items in the historic cities of
Syria has relied on qualitative values. This
approach helps evaluate the condition of the
cultural environment, available resources, and
valuable assets within historical centers. The
developed approach includes prerequisites and a
range of instruments to formulate reconstruction
strategies for areas affected by military
operations. It also entails urban development
programs to stimulate cultural processes that can
positively impact urban and regional economies
(Shcherbina et al., 2020).
In order to evaluate the state of the cultural
environment and provide the foundation for
urban zoning and preservation plans, qualitative
assessments of the damage to buildings,
structures, and cultural heritage items are crucial
(Rasoolimanesh & Jaafar, 2016), (Al-Maqdissi,
2020). These evaluations can also direct urban
development initiatives and reconstruction plans
that support regional economies, creating jobs,
and resuming traditional crafts (Shcherbina et al.,
2020). Conducting precise damage assessments
has been difficult due to the unavailability of war
zones. However, high-resolution satellite
imagery has been used in cooperative initiatives
including institutions such as the US Department
of State and the American Schools of Oriental
Research (ASOR) to monitor and assess damage
to ancient sites in southern Turkey, northern Iraq,
and Syria. By exposing unanticipated patterns of
destruction and guiding upcoming remote
sensing-based monitoring activities in the area,
this creative technique has greatly contributed to
our understanding of the dynamic cultural
heritage situation (Casana & Laugier, 2017).
Utilizing AI Technology for Heritage
Conservation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a
powerful tool in the fight to preserve our heritage
for future generations. In addition to
conventional conservation strategies, the
integration of artificial intelligence (AI)
technologies is a promising way to address the
conservation challenges of Palmyra's ancient
heritage buildings. Artificial intelligence offers
innovative solutions that can complement
existing efforts and increase the effectiveness of
heritage conservation initiatives. AI could help
advance national interests, such as economic
prosperity, educational opportunities, quality of
life, and national and internal security (Ryzheva
et al., 2024).
Here are some ways to use artificial intelligence
in heritage conservation:
• Artificial intelligence for documentation and
mapping: Artificial intelligence-based
techniques, such as computer vision and
machine learning algorithms, are used to
simplify the documentation and mapping of
Palmyra's archaeological sites. These
technologies can analyze vast amounts of
data from satellite images and aerial
photographs to create accurate maps and
digital reconstructions of heritage buildings.
• Artificial intelligence for damage
assessment: Implementation of artificial
intelligence algorithms to assess and
monitor damage to Palmyra's heritage
buildings during conflicts. By analyzing
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images and data collected from drones or
satellites, AI systems can accurately identify
areas of degradation and track changes over
time, enabling timely conservation
interventions.
• Artificial intelligence for predictive
modeling: Use AI predictive capabilities to
predict potential threats to Palmyra's cultural
heritage, such as environmental degradation
or the risk of further conflict. By analyzing
historical data and current trends, AI
algorithms can predict risks and help
formulate proactive protection strategies to
mitigate them.
• Artificial intelligence for virtual reality (VR)
and augmented reality (AR): Explore using
artificial intelligence-based virtual reality
and augmented reality technologies to create
immersive experiences that engage and
educate people about Palmyra's cultural
heritage. Virtual tours and interactive
exhibits using artificial intelligence can
increase public awareness and appreciation
and foster support for conservation efforts
(Figure 8) (Figure 9).
Figure 8. Still of a virtual reconstruction of the Temple of Baalshamin.
Source: (Intagliata, 2016).
Figure 9. Virtual reconstruction of the Temple of Bel, showing internal and external views.
Source: (Intagliata, 2016).
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Please remember the text below. TEXT:
• Artificial intelligence for protection policies
and decision-making: Artificial intelligence
technologies can provide valuable insights
into the effectiveness of conservation
strategies, optimize resource allocation, and
inform evidence-based policies to preserve
Palmyra's ancient heritage.
• Digitization and documentation: Artificial
intelligence can automate the digitization of
large amounts of cultural artifacts and
archives. It includes high-quality scanning,
3D modeling, and image recognition for
faster processing. It not only preserves these
items digitally but also allows researchers
and the public to access them remotely
(Figure 10).
Figure 10. Three-dimensional rendering of the doorway of the Temple of Bel.
Source: (Intagliata, 2016).
Improved accessibility: Artificial intelligence
can be used to create virtual reality experiences
that allow people to explore and interact with
heritage sites and artifacts in an immersive way.
This is especially valuable for sites that are
difficult to physically access or for fragile
artifacts that cannot be handled directly. By
incorporating artificial intelligence into heritage
conservation efforts in Palmyra, we can use
advanced technologies to protect its cultural
heritage for future generations. Collaboration
between conservation experts, technologists, and
policymakers is essential to harness the full
potential of AI in preserving Palmyra's rich
history and architectural treasures.
This is where this paper brings to life the ancient
site of Palmyra targeted by terrorist groups such
as ISIS, using one of the artificial intelligence
platforms "Artificial Intelligence Visualization".
In this article, two examples of platforms for the
visualization of human intelligence have been
used: Midjourney and DALL-E 3. Artificial
intelligence is used to generate images with
robots like DALL-E 2 and Midjourney. DALL-E
2 is an artificial intelligence system that can
create artistic images based on user-generated
text inputs. This bot was created by OpenAI and
released in April 2022. Midjourney is another AI
bot that also generates images based on text
inputs. Compared to DALL-E 2, Midjourney is
more accessible, easier to use, and faster in
producing images. However, DALL-E 2 offers
more editing capabilities and product variety
than Midjourney. Both bots use natural language
and user descriptions to create images. DALL-E
2 is more versatile and can create images from
anything, while Midjourney focuses on creating
beautiful images. DALL-E 2 does not have a
mobile app and can only be accessed through
browsers. Meanwhile, Midjourney operates
through a Discord server. Overall, DALL-E 2
and Midjourney are powerful AI tools for image
generation. DALL-E 2 is better for creating a
wider range of images, while Midjourney is
better for creating beautiful images quickly and
easily (Table 1).
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Table 1.
Visualization and representation of heritage buildings of Palmyra using artificial intelligence capabilities
DALL-E 3 and Midjourney.
Source: (By author).
Methodology
The purpose of this study is to provide
recommendations for sustainable strategies to
preserve Palmyra's ancient heritage monuments
despite the obstacles posed by the ongoing
conflict in Syria. To achieve this, the study
adopts a multidisciplinary approach that
considers architectural, cultural, social, and
political aspects. This study combines
quantitative and qualitative data collection
approaches in a hybrid approach. The first step in
the research process will be an extensive
evaluation of studies, articles, and other relevant
sources on the topic of cultural heritage
protection. The research then evaluates the
success of ongoing efforts to conserve Palmyra
using quantitative data analysis tools and makes
suggestions for further conservation initiatives,
including those involving AI capabilities. The
combination of different study methods enables
us to gain a thorough understanding of the
cultural preservation environment of Syria,
especially the obstacles and solutions for
Palmyra. However, this study has certain
limitations. First, gathering complete and current
information may be more challenging due to
limited access to specific locations and security
concerns. This may affect data reliability and
availability. Second, the ongoing Syrian crisis
makes it difficult to fully document the extent of
recent developments and ongoing heritage
conservation activities. Despite the limited
access to documents, the capabilities of artificial
intelligence technologies such as DALL-E 3 and
Midjourney in the visualization and mapping of
cultural heritage sites have been utilized to create
images and visual representations of Palmyra's
heritage buildings and historical landscapes.
Consequently, the conclusions may not include
the most recent data. Furthermore, the subjective
interpretation of data has its inherent limitations.
The analysis may be unintentionally influenced
by the perspective and biases of the researcher,
which can compromise the objectivity of the
study. In addition, the effectiveness and
applicability of the proposed methods for cultural
preservation may be affected by external
variables and changing conditions in Syria, such
as political, social, or economic changes.
Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the
changing conditions when implementing the
study's proposals. Finally, the exclusive focus of
this study on the historic buildings of Palmyra
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may limit the applicability of the results to other
heritage sites or the larger context of heritage
conservation. As each heritage site is unique, its
conservation strategies must be specially
designed. Despite these limitations, this study is
of great importance because it sheds light on
complex problems and offers practical solutions
to preserve Palmyra's distinctive cultural
heritage. This adds to the body of knowledge
about heritage conservation and provides
valuable insights into the limitations and issues
related to the study's conclusions. Future studies
can fill these gaps and provide a more
comprehensive picture of heritage conservation
in Syria and elsewhere by recognizing these
limitations.
Results and Discussion
The ongoing Syrian civil conflict has had
devastating effects on the nation's cultural
heritage. Important monuments have been
looted, damaged, or destroyed, and the
organization responsible for preserving Syria's
cultural heritage, the DGAM, has faced criticism
for its inaction. Reconstruction efforts for ancient
Syrian sites have been hindered by the
organization's refusal to collaborate with skilled
specialists who fled the country during the crisis.
Despite UNESCO's condemnations, cultural
heritage destruction remains a significant
challenge. Qualitative evaluations are essential to
assess the extent of damage and evaluate the state
of cultural resources in historic sites. These
evaluations guide urban zoning, preservation
plans, and reconstruction efforts, supporting
regional economies and traditional crafts.
Estimating damage has been challenging due to
inaccessible combat zones. However, a
collaborative project utilizing sophisticated
satellite photography has produced significant
findings. This project has identified unexpected
trends in the location, severity, and timing of the
damage, improving our understanding of the
current cultural heritage crises in the Middle
East. Local authorities, heritage communities,
and international organizations must collaborate
to preserve Syria's cultural heritage. The DGAM
must work with skilled Syrian professionals to
reconstruct and preserve ancient heritage.
Addressing the legal implications and obligations
related to the destruction of cultural property in
the Syrian conflict is essential. Qualitative
assessments must continue to play a central role
in evaluating damage and guiding preservation
plans. Remote sensing technologies and satellite
photography have effectively monitored and
protected archaeological monuments. Heritage
conservation initiatives can benefit from
enhanced data collection and analysis using these
innovative strategies. Including cultural assets in
urban development initiatives can support
sustainable development by promoting economic
growth, revitalizing traditional crafts, and
generating employment opportunities. Despite
the obstacles presented by the conflict, involving
local people and utilizing cutting-edge
technologies can help preserve and restore the
priceless cultural heritage essential to Syria's
identity, memory, and sustainable development.
Recommendations
Preserving the ancient heritage of Palmyra
amidst the ongoing Syrian conflict requires a
multi-faceted approach that goes beyond
immediate restoration efforts. Long-term
conservation strategies must take into account
the broader implications for community recovery
and sustainable development. This section
presents several key recommendations aimed at
preserving the cultural heritage of Palmyra and
contributing to the overall well-being of affected
communities. Integration with Community
Recovery Efforts: Economic Revitalization: It is
imperative to integrate conservation strategies
with broader community recovery efforts to drive
economic growth. Restoration projects have the
potential to generate employment, boost tourism,
and revive traditional crafts, thereby contributing
to the sustainable development of affected
communities.
Cultural Identity and Social Cohesion: The
preservation of cultural heritage plays a pivotal
role in fostering a sense of identity and
continuity, which are fundamental to social
cohesion and community resilience. Engaging
local communities in conservation endeavors
ensures that they remain connected to their
heritage and reap the benefits of its preservation.
Continuous Collaboration and Knowledge
Exchange: International Cooperation: Sustained
conservation efforts necessitate ongoing
collaboration among international organizations,
local authorities, and heritage professionals.
Knowledge exchange and capacity-building
programs can bolster local expertise and
facilitate the adoption of best practices in
heritage conservation.
Cross-disciplinary Partnerships: Collaboration
among archaeologists, architects, historians, and
technologists is paramount. Leveraging AI and
advanced technologies can aid in the
documentation, assessment, and restoration of
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heritage sites, offering innovative solutions to
conservation challenges.
Legal and Institutional Frameworks:
Strengthening Legal Protections: The
establishment and enforcement of robust legal
frameworks for heritage protection are critical.
This encompasses the ratification of international
conventions and the implementation of national
laws that safeguard cultural heritage during
conflicts.
Institutional Support: Strengthening the capacity
of local institutions, such as the DGAM, through
training and resource allocation, is essential.
International support can provide technical
assistance and funding for conservation projects.
Community Engagement and Education:
Awareness Campaigns: Propagation of
awareness regarding the importance of cultural
heritage and its preservation through educational
programs and public campaigns can cultivate a
culture of protection and pride among local
communities.
Involvement in Decision-making: Involving
local communities in decision-making processes
ensures that conservation endeavors are inclusive
and reflect the needs and values of the
individuals most affected by the conflict.
Technological Integration: Utilizing AI and
Remote Sensing: AI technologies and remote
sensing can deliver accurate damage
assessments, predict future threats, and generate
virtual reconstructions of destroyed heritage
buildings. These tools can bolster the
effectiveness of conservation strategies and
facilitate continual monitoring and protection of
heritage sites.
Digital Documentation: Creating digital archives
of cultural heritage using AI and other
technologies ensures the preservation of records,
even if physical sites suffer further damage or
destruction.
Conclusions
The study on heritage conservation in Syria
focuses on the challenges and strategies for
conserving the ancient Palmyra heritage
building, providing crucial insights into
preserving cultural heritage in conflict-affected
regions. The deliberate targeting of the Palmyra
heritage building by terrorist groups like ISIS
underscores the urgent need for effective
conservation strategies. The destruction and
damage inflicted on this iconic site emphasize the
importance of safeguarding and protecting
valuable historical treasures.
Moreover, the study identifies a range of
challenges faced in heritage conservation in
Syria, including armed conflict, political
instability, limited resources, inadequate
funding, and restricted access to affected areas.
To address these challenges and ensure
successful conservation efforts, it is imperative to
involve multiple stakeholders, including local
communities, government organizations, non-
profit entities, and international bodies.
Based on the findings, several recommendations
emerge to enhance the conservation of the
ancient Palmyra heritage building and other
heritage sites in Syria:
1. Strengthening international cooperation:
Intensify collaborative efforts among
UNESCO, international organizations, and
donor countries. This collaboration should
involve providing financial support,
technical expertise, and capacity building for
heritage conservation projects in Syria.
Sharing best practices and experiences from
similar initiatives in other conflict-affected
regions can also be beneficial.
2. Empowering local communities: Active
involvement and empowerment of local
communities are crucial for the long-term
sustainability of heritage conservation
efforts. Engaging them through community-
based initiatives, training programs, and
awareness campaigns can instill a sense of
responsibility and pride in protecting and
preserving their cultural heritage.
3. Implementing comprehensive risk
management plans: Developing and
implementing robust risk management plans
is vital to minimizing further damage to
heritage sites. These plans should address
the impact of armed conflict, natural
disasters, climate change, and unauthorized
human activities. Regular monitoring,
documentation, and emergency response
strategies should be integral components of
these plans.
4. Promoting sustainable tourism: Sustainable
tourism can contribute to revenue generation
for heritage conservation projects and local
economic development. However, it is
crucial to ensure that tourism activities are
carried out responsibly, respecting the
integrity of the site and benefiting local
communities. Implementing regulations,
guidelines, and controls for visitor numbers
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and infrastructure development can help
achieve this.
5. Leveraging AI technologies: Integrate
artificial intelligence (AI) tools into heritage
conservation efforts to enhance data
collection, analysis, and visualization. AI
can assist in documenting and mapping
archaeological sites, assessing damage,
predicting threats, and creating immersive
experiences for public engagement.
Collaborating with AI experts and
leveraging innovative AI platforms can
revolutionize heritage conservation
strategies in Syria and beyond.
By implementing these recommendations, we
can ensure the preservation of Syria's rich
cultural heritage for future generations despite
the challenging circumstances posed by conflict
and instability.
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