AMMAN — Director-General of the Department of Antiquities (DoA) Fawzi Abudanahhas met in Amman with Director-General of the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums of Syria (DGAM) Anas Zeidan.

 

The meeting emphasised the need to coordinate joint action to curb illicit trade of artefacts as well as to protect and preserve historical monuments in both countries.

 

During the discussion, the main tasks of both institutions were reviewed, including the authorised mechanisms of work in the management and protection of archaeological sites and museums, the possibilities of cooperation with the Syrian side, especially in the fields of maintenance and restoration, and the research of the possibility of signing a joint cooperation agreement serving the two countries.

 

Both sides addressed efforts made in combating smuggling and illegal trade in relics, and the importance of cooperation in this field, in coordination with the Jordan Customs Department and concerned parties, emphasising the need to strengthen the partnership between DoA and DGAM.

 

On Sunday at premises of American Centre of Research, Zeidan held a lecture in which he highlighted achievements of DGAM in combating looting and smuggling of artefacts from Syria.

 

Zeidan underscored that the joint effort of all local and international stakeholders and experts is necessary to prevent smuggling and selling of the Syrian cultural heritage, noting that cooperation between Jordanian and Syrian institutions is just the initial step.

 

The illicit trafficking of cultural properties in Syria has become a major crisis, driven by instability and insecurity, economic collapse, “dysfunctional” institutions and a “breakdown” of law and order in the war-torn country.

 

This trade funds organised crime and terror organisations, while causing irreparable damage to Syria's rich cultural heritage.

 

There are some key elements of the illicit trafficking: conflict and lack of security, economic desperation, criminal gangs, black market demand, smuggling routes and online sales.

 

"The topic of Syrian cultural heritage has been painful and agonising for the past decade," noted Zeidan at the lecture titled" Illicit Trafficking of Syrian Cultural Properties: Trading Methods and Challenges of Restitution”, adding that this blow was a very painful and devastating one to the Syrian cultural heritage.

 

During these turbulent years, Syria has many artefacts being looted and stolen.

 

"It contained artefacts taken from illegal diggings or stolen from out museums," Zeidan continued, adding that archaeological sites were used for military purposes and museums like the one in Raqqa were heavily damaged.

 

In the chaos of war, some documents got damaged while others were lost, Zeidan continued, stressing that historical documents centre in Damascus was bombed.

 

"The institutions responsible for the cultural policy coordinate with the Syrian government what steps should be taken in order to improve the current situation," Zeidan said, adding that Syria has also signed numerous international agreements to protect Syrian heritage.

 

Syria signed numerous agreements with Arab and foreign countries to prevent the trafficking of Syrian cultural artefacts, the professor said, noting that on the other hand the international community aims to prevent illicit trafficking, and Interpol has assisted in this effort.

 

"More than 2,000 artefacts have been recovered," Zeidan said, noting that the new Syrian authorities must also mention here the contributions of other Syria scholars and expats who returned stolen objects from abroad.

 

According to Zeidan, the new vision includes a set of measures to reform the regulatory legal framework and ensure compliance by all relevant parties.

 

"Cooperation with international organisations and Arabic departments of antiquities will be crucial in prevention of illicit trade with Syrian artefacts," Zeidan concluded.