The Syrian Future Movement believes that the Homs Antiquities Directorate’s launch of a sustained and intensive campaign to combat illegal excavations in Palmyra, in coordination with the General Directorate of Internal Security and the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums, represents a crucial strategic step towards protecting Syrian cultural heritage and strengthening shared national identity.
The Directorate announced this campaign on December 14, 2025, focusing on sensitive archaeological sites such as the Valley of the Tombs and the southeastern necropolis. The aim is to prevent looting and theft, which previously led to the loss of more than 40,000 artifacts at the hands of the former Assad regime and ISIS, as documented in reports by the German Gerda Henkel Foundation and other international organizations.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes that this campaign is part of a broader national context, reflecting the Syrian people’s commitment to preserving their historical heritage as a symbol of unity and cultural diversity, especially after years of systematic destruction inflicted on the cultural heritage by the former regime. We believe that protecting antiquities is an investment in Syrian identity, which unites Syrians of all sects and ethnicities, and strengthens the sense of national belonging during the transition towards a stable, democratic state. The Syrian Future Movement believes that the success of such initiatives depends on a comprehensive future vision that links heritage preservation with sustainable development. This vision envisions transforming archaeological sites like Palmyra into tourist and educational centers that contribute to rebuilding the Syrian economy and promoting cultural tourism.
In this context, the campaign should be part of a long-term national plan that ensures the integration of heritage into development programs. This plan should also leverage international experiences in managing archaeological sites to achieve balanced economic growth that benefits local communities in Homs Governorate and beyond.
The Syrian Future Movement calls on government agencies and civil society to strengthen international partnerships with organizations such as UNESCO and European institutions to exchange expertise in heritage protection. This includes focusing on developing modern technologies such as remote sensing and artificial intelligence for monitoring archaeological sites.
The Syrian Future Movement also recommends establishing educational and awareness programs in schools and universities to educate younger generations about the importance of heritage. Furthermore, it advocates for the implementation of strict laws to hold those involved in looting accountable, including conducting transparent investigations and providing compensation to affected areas.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that these efforts will contribute to building the future Syria as a prosperous state that relies on its heritage as a basis for progress, and calls on all Syrians to actively participate in protecting their national heritage, because heritage is not just the past, but a bridge to a better future.
