Berlin, 4 June—Some 230 Syrian and international experts joined forces in a two-day meeting to assess damage to cultural heritage sites in Syria, develop methodologies and define priority emergency safeguarding measures for the country’s heritage. The expert meeting, held in Berlin from 2 to 4 June, was organized by UNESCO and Germany. It was opened by Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, and Maria B?hmer, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Germany
Conference participants included leading archaeologists, anthropologists, experts in monument preservation, architects and urban planners. Among them were representatives of the Syrian Antiquities Directorate (DGAM) as well as other scientists and experts from or working in Syria.
“The Berlin conference has given a very positive signal to lay the cultural foundations of a post-war Syrian order. The World Heritage Sites shape Syrian identity and will be decisive for the unity of the country. A Herculean task will have to be tackled sooner or later. It needs sound foundations,” said Ms Böhmer.
