The Syrian Future Movement is following with deep concern and dismay the recent demolition of the old municipality building in Qamishli. Built in 1935, this building is considered one of the city’s most prominent architectural and cultural landmarks, a testament to its history and collective memory shared by all its constituent groups: Arabs, Kurds, Syriac Assyrians, and Armenians.
This decision, implemented just days after a public celebration marking the unveiling of the building’s historic foundation plaque, has sparked widespread outrage and controversy among the city’s residents, activists, and civil society organizations.
The Syrian Future Movement condemns the demolition of the historic Qamishli municipality building, deeming it a grave transgression against collective memory and national identity. It holds those responsible for the decision and its execution fully accountable, both legally and morally.
The Syrian Future Movement also points out that this building has witnessed more than nine decades of Qamishli’s history, and its demolition coincides with the city’s centennial, an occasion that should have been one of celebrating its history and preserving its landmarks, not erasing one of its most prominent architectural symbols. We hold the authorities that issued the demolition order, as well as those that carried it out, fully responsible for this action, especially given the lack of transparency and consultation with the city’s residents and heritage experts.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its unwavering support for preserving Syrian cultural heritage as a fundamental pillar of national identity and sustainable development.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes that protecting historical and cultural landmarks is a collective responsibility, given their importance in preserving national memory, strengthening belonging, and ensuring the transmission of this heritage to future generations.
In this context, we recall our statement issued on June 24, 2026, entitled “Security Campaign to Protect Archaeological Sites in Hasakah,” in which we commended the efforts of the Internal Security Forces in combating looting and the illicit trafficking of antiquities, considering it a necessary step to protect Syria’s cultural heritage. We also welcome this step, which reflects a growing awareness of the importance of protecting cultural heritage, which has been subjected to systematic looting and widespread destruction during the years of war ignited by the ousted regime.
Therefore, we believe that what happened in Qamishli contradicts this approach and constitutes a serious setback in the policy of protecting heritage.
The Syrian Future Movement highly values the position of the Assyrian Democratic Organization, which expressed its deep concern regarding this decision and considered the demolition of the building an “attack on Qamishli’s collective memory and shared cultural heritage.” The organization stressed the necessity of opening a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances of the demolition.
The movement also appreciates the statement issued by approximately 21 human rights organizations, associations, and institutions in Qamishli, which called for a halt to any measures that might lead to the removal or alteration of the building’s historical character, and for the involvement of specialists and residents of the city in any decisions concerning historical landmarks.
We see these voices as embodying societal awareness and a rejection of any tampering with identity and heritage.
Based on its national responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:
- Opening a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances of the demolition decision and the mechanisms of its implementation, and taking the necessary legal measures against all those found responsible, in order to contribute to establishing the principle of accountability and protecting architectural heritage.
- Establishing an official register of heritage sites and buildings in Qamishli and all Syrian cities, and developing clear legal mechanisms for their protection, preventing any demolition or alteration without consulting the relevant authorities and heritage experts.
- Involving the local community, NGOs, and experts in any future decisions concerning historical sites, and ensuring full transparency in the decision-making process, as demanded by human rights organizations.
- Launching national awareness campaigns on the importance of cultural heritage, promoting a culture of its preservation, and integrating it into educational curricula as part of national identity, similar to the Syrian state’s commitment to registering its sites on the ISESCO list.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that preserving cultural heritage is preserving the memory and identity of peoples, and that Qamishli, with its history, diversity, and civilizational legacy, will remain an integral part of the conscience of its people.
We urge the Syrian government and relevant authorities to take immediate measures to compensate for this loss, prevent its recurrence, and demonstrate that the new Syria is capable of protecting its heritage, preserving the dignity and identity of its citizens, and upholding the rule of law above all else.
For its part, the Syrian Future Movement will remain supportive, critical, and observant of this issue, striving to build the new Syria on the foundations of justice, dignity, and respect for cultural diversity.
