The Syrian Future Movement welcomes the decision of the Governor of Deir ez-Zor, Ghassan Sayyed Ahmad, issued on September 21, 2025, to cancel the project to allocate parts of the Deir ez-Zor Museum to the Ministry of Administrative Development and to maintain it as an independent cultural landmark. We consider this a step that reflects a growing awareness of the value of Syrian cultural heritage.
The Syrian Future Movement applauds this wise decision, as it responds to the voices of civil society and heritage activists, who expressed their legitimate concern about the conversion of an authentic cultural space into administrative offices. This could constitute a violation of international agreements that protect museums and consider them centers of cultural influence. The Deir ez-Zor Museum is one of the most prominent cultural institutions in the Middle Euphrates region. Since its establishment, it has hosted international archaeological missions from France, Germany, and Italy, and has displayed artifacts representing ancient civilizations such as Mari, Dura-Europos, and Tell Sheikh Hamad. Despite the damage it has sustained during the war years, it remains on UNESCO’s monitoring lists, given its cultural and humanitarian value.
While we, at the Syrian Future Movement, appreciate this decision, we emphasize that preserving museums is not limited to preserving heritage, but also positively impacts tourism and cultural development, enhances local identity, and contributes to attracting cultural investments. We also applaud the launch of new restoration and development projects for the museum, reflecting a genuine commitment to making culture a bridge for convergence and sustainable development.
The Syrian Future Movement expresses its deep appreciation to all those who contributed to the protection of this landmark, and we hope that this decision will be a message of hope that culture will remain a guardian of memory and a pillar of a more aware and knowledge-rich future.
