Qala’t Sem’an between 2011 and 2024 CE: History, Damages, Violations, and Protection Projects

Abstract

This study aims to uncover all damages inflicted upon Qala’t Sema’n in the aftermath of Syrian War, highlighting restoration of its civilizational and historical role through rehabilitation and reestablishing it as a destination for tourists, archaeologists, and enthusiasts as before. To fulfill the study objectives, the historical descriptive-analytical approach was adopted. The study highlights Qal’at Sem’an site regarded as the crown jewel of the limestone massif, located approximately 60 km northwest of Aleppo Governorate in Syria. Utilizing field and analytical inquiry, the study documents the damages, violations, and changes the site endured during the Syrian war, examining how these damages were addressed, identifying the protection projects implemented, and exploring the entities involved under exceptional circumstances. The study findings indicate that despite Qal’at Sem’an’s historical significance and its unique civilizational and artistic value, it came under the spell of Syria’s armed conflict. International agreements for the protection of cultural heritage and antiquities during conflicts failed to neutralize the site, despite its inclusion on the World Heritage List. Local protection and emergency intervention projects were characterized by simplicity, lacking comprehensive, large-scale, and sustainable restoration efforts.