UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has reported the destruction of seven historical towers in the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria, by the Islamic State group between June and August 2015, condemning these actions. In a statement published on Friday, September 4, on UNESCO's website, it confirmed that satellite images corroborate the destruction of the seven historical towers in Palmyra. UNESCO also emphasized that the destruction of these ancient towers is separate from two other ancient temples that were previously destroyed in Palmyra by the Islamic State group. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization stated that its announcement was based on a special report from the Syrian Cultural Heritage Project (ASOR) regarding the status of Palmyra. The report published by the Syrian Cultural Heritage Project (an international institution based at Boston University) on Thursday, September 3, indicated that the destruction of the Palmyra towers occurred in two phases. The second phase took place between August 27 and September 2. These towers are, in fact, ancient tombs. Mamoun Abdulkarim, the director of antiquities and museums in Syria, also confirmed the destruction of these historical towers. The ancient city of Palmyra is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city and its historical structures date back to the Roman Empire. Palmyra, known in Arabic as Tadmor, is located about 200 kilometers northeast of Damascus in central Syria.
UNESCO Condemns the Destruction of Historical Towers in Palmyra
UNESCO condemned the destruction of seven historical towers in Palmyra, Syria, by the Islamic State group between June and August 2015. This destruction is part of a broader campaign against cultural heritage in conflict zones. The situation highlights the ongoing threat to historical sites amidst geopolitical conflicts.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
UNESCO condemned the destruction of seven ancient towers in Palmyra, Syria, by the Islamic State group, confirming the damage through satellite imagery. This destruction occurred between June and August 2015 and is part of a broader campaign against cultural heritage in conflict zones.
- The towers are ancient tombs and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Destruction occurred in two phases, with the second phase noted in late August 2015.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been a focal point of cultural destruction during the Syrian Civil War, particularly by extremist groups like the Islamic State.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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