Syria’s Treasure Hunting Fever After Assad’s Regime
- The lifting of the ban on metal detectors has sparked a treasure-hunting phenomenon in Syria.
- Palmyra is rife with holes from treasure seekers looking for ancient burial sites.
- Experts highlight the effects of poverty and insecurity that drive people to hunt for relics.
- Amr Al-Azm calls for the international community to address the demand for looted antiquities.
Surge in Metal Detector Demand After Assad’s Regime
The rise of metal detectors in Syria is linked directly to the aftermath of the regime led by President Bashar al-Assad. With shops opening across the nation, this phenomenon has marked what many are calling a treasure-hunting fever. In conversations with the seasoned reporter William Christou, he outlined how previously banned devices for their military implications are now becoming commonplace and how people are utilizing them to scour the land for hidden artifacts.
Palmyra and Ancient Treasures Amid Hardship
In the ancient city of Palmyra, the ground is pockmarked with excavations. Christou highlighted this as he discussed how people, pushed by poverty and the breakdown of security services, are keenly searching for burial sites thought to be filled with ancient relics. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing effects of conflict, leaving many families with the hope of unearthing treasure to significantly improve their dire financial conditions.
Global Responsibility for Looting of Antiquities
Amr Al-Azm, a notable Syrian archaeologist, emphasizes the role of larger international factors at play in this burgeoning treasure hunt. He points out that the Islamic State’s operations have laid important groundwork for this trend. Al-Azm urges that efforts must be made by buyers in Europe and North America to stem the tide of looted antiquities, insisting that without addressing the demand, the looting will persist, thus harming not just Syria but the cultural heritage of humanity as a whole.
Syria’s newfound treasure hunting trend encapsulates the intersection of war, poverty, and a quest for survival through ancient artifacts. With the insights from experts like William Christou and Amr Al-Azm, it’s clear that the consequences of this phenomenon go beyond just local interest. To truly address the issue of looting, global demand must be confronted and mitigated, safeguarding Syria’s rich heritage in the process.
