Syria: Tourism struggles to return to the UNESCO site of Palmyra • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts:

• Palmyra (ancient city, UNESCO World Heritage site)
• Syrian Desert
• Islamic State (ISIS)
• Destruction of heritage sites
• Tourism recovery
• Impact of war on infrastructure and visitor numbers

Palmyra: An Ancient Gem in the Syrian Desert

The ancient city of Palmyra, situated in the heart of the Syrian desert, is described as an architectural gem of the country. It was recognized for its significance by being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.

Destruction and Preservation

Despite its historical importance, the exceptional ruins of Palmyra suffered partial destruction at the hands of the Islamic State. However, certain sections of the ancient city have remained remarkably well-preserved, notably including the theater.

Hopes for Tourism Revival

One year following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, local residents are expressing hope for the return of tourists to Palmyra. The site frequently stands deserted, highlighting the impact of ongoing conflict and instability on its appeal.

Visitor Experience and War's Scars

A lone visitor from the Czech Republic shared his experience, expressing enthusiasm for his visit. However, he also acknowledged that Syria bears deep scars after 14 years of war. He stated, "Feel safe here in Syria, but I'm here second day. It's amazing. I passed some hotels that are in the guides, totally destroyed, of course. Yeah, it's interesting." This observation underscores the visible damage to infrastructure, even in areas considered safe for visitors.

Pre-War Visitor Numbers

Before the commencement of the war in 2011, the ancient city of Palmyra was a significant tourist destination, attracting over 150,000 visitors annually. This figure starkly contrasts with the current deserted state of the site, illustrating the devastating economic and cultural impact of the conflict.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The transcript highlights the tragic fate of Palmyra, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage site in Syria, which has endured significant destruction by the Islamic State. While parts of the city, like the theater, remain preserved, the site struggles with a lack of tourism due to the lingering effects of 14 years of war. The testimony of a Czech visitor underscores both the resilience of the site and the pervasive damage to Syria's infrastructure. The stark contrast between pre-war visitor numbers (over 150,000 annually) and the current deserted state emphasizes the profound loss and the urgent need for recovery and the return of tourism to such invaluable cultural landmarks.