10 Reasons You Should Care About This Country's Endangered History
There's a lot of money in artefacts that are thousands of years old. But their cultural significance is invaluable. Syria is full of such treasures. But, its history is being robbed to fuel the conflict there. Sign the petition to ban the trade in antiquities!
1. It's The Cradle Of Civilization
In the more than 6000 years of steady habitation, Syria has seen empires rise and fall, but not before leaving their mark. Roman, Phoenician, Greek and Egyptian civilizations all had vital ties to Syria and left the country with amazing relics.
2. It's Home To One Of The World's Largest and Oldest Castles (Which Is Being Destroyed)
The Citadel in Aleppo has stood for more than 4,000 years. But destructive fighting has come to its doorstep.
3. It's Also Home To The World's Best-Preserved Crusader Castle
But that might change soon...
4. It's A Language Haven
In the ancient port city of Ugarit, tablets dating back to 1400 BC have been found with the earliest alphabet etched in.
Maloula, Syria is the only place where Aramaic is spoken.
5. It Was Once The Major Stop On The Silk Road...
Since 2000 BC, these Souks have been the commercial hub in Syria. Now they're ruined.
6. Its Precious Culture Is Being Replaced With Guns
Militants are making millions off the sale of antiquities. They're literally stealing Syria's culture to purchase weapons and inflict continued chaos.
7. Sites of Religious Importance Are Now This...
This is the Umayyad Mosque. It's rumored that John the Baptist's father's remains are here.
The Omari Mosque in Deraa, Syria.
8. Its Artefacts Are Being Dug Up And Looted
Yes. Those are holes.
9. It's World Heritage. You'd Care If This Happened, Right?
10. There's Something We Can Do About It
Sign the petition telling the UN to ban the trade in Syrian antiquities. It'll mean preserving world heritage and preventing combatants from adding to their war chest.