Project for the Protection and Conservation of Archaeological Sites in Jabal Zawiya Park, Idlib

The Dead Cities of Jabal Zawiya represent an outstanding example of rural life during the Roman and Byzantine periods. The remains include churches, residential houses, olive presses, and stone tombs, illustrating the economic prosperity and social structure of these communities, particularly their reliance on olive cultivation and trade.

Despite their importance, these sites have suffered extensive damage due to armed conflict, including structural destruction, illegal excavations, and unregulated construction driven by population displacement. Since 2013, they have been listed as endangered heritage sites.

What is Jabal Zawiya?

Jabal Zawiya, located in Idlib Governorate in northwestern Syria, extends across the southern countryside of Idlib and is one of the most significant archaeological landscapes in the region. It is home to a unique collection of ancient settlements known as the “Dead Cities.” Among the most prominent are Al-Bara, Serjilla, Shinshrah, and Ruweiha, which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to their exceptional historical and architectural value. These sites are remarkably well-preserved and reflect a sophisticated rural settlement pattern from ancient times.

Jabal Zawiya Archaeological Park: Activities and Impact

The archaeological parks of northwestern Syria, including Jabal Zawiya, form part of the “Ancient Villages of Northern Syria,” inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011 due to their outstanding historical and cultural value. These sites preserve unique architectural remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods, reflecting an advanced rural lifestyle and significant developments in construction techniques and settlement patterns.

Over the past fourteen years of conflict, many of these sites have suffered severe damage, including aerial bombardment, artillery strikes, military occupation, modern encroachments, stone removal, and illegal excavations. As one of the largest archaeological clusters within this World Heritage property, Jabal Zawiya includes multiple sites currently listed as endangered due to the extent of destruction.

Activitie 1. Mine Clearance and Risk Mitigation

Mine clearance was a critical prerequisite to enable safe access to archaeological sites in Jabal Zawiya, particularly those located along former conflict frontlines, including Ruweiha, Shinshrah, and Al-Rabi‘a. This activity was essential for safeguarding both cultural heritage and local communities, as these areas were heavily contaminated with unexploded ordnance.

The operation was successfully completed in coordination with specialized engineering teams, with safety measures including ambulance support and guidance from local residents who helped identify hazardous zones. The teams discovered and safely disposed of a wide range of explosive remnants, including mortar shells, various types of landmines, cluster munition remnants, rocket launch platforms (TOW), grenades, and RPG-related materials. All hazardous items were collected and destroyed in controlled conditions.

This achievement represents a major milestone, as it transformed previously inaccessible and dangerous sites into secure environments, enabling the continuation of documentation and conservation activities.

Activitie 2. Archaeological Documentation and Damage Assessment

Documentation activities are fundamental to understanding the condition of heritage sites and forming the basis for effective conservation planning. This process ensures that damage is systematically recorded and that the historical and architectural value of each structure is preserved through detailed records.

Fieldwork was organized into three specialized teams: one responsible for mapping and identifying the distribution of archaeological structures, another for written documentation of damage types and locations, and a third for photographic recording. This structured approach ensured comprehensive coverage and accuracy in data collection.

To date, field documentation has been successfully completed in three major archaeological sites: Serjilla, Batrasa, and Ba‘uda, while documentation work in Al-Bara is still ongoing. These efforts have resulted in a substantial body of documented heritage assets, providing a strong technical foundation for future restoration and protection measures.

Data Analysis and Reporting

The transformation of field data into usable knowledge is a key component of the project’s success. This phase ensures that all collected information is systematically organized, analyzed, and translated into actionable insights.

Following fieldwork, all photographic and written documentation was compiled and classified according to building typologies and types of damage. Through detailed analysis, the team was able to evaluate the condition of structures and produce comprehensive assessment reports.

The completion of documentation in multiple sites and the ongoing analysis process represent a significant achievement, as these reports provide essential guidance for prioritizing conservation interventions and support future funding and planning efforts.

Activitie 3. Community Awareness and Engagement

Community engagement is a cornerstone of sustainable heritage protection, as it strengthens local awareness and fosters a sense of responsibility toward cultural assets.

As part of the project, six awareness activities were successfully implemented, targeting school students in the Jabal Zawiya region. These activities aimed to introduce the importance of cultural heritage, promote its protection, and reach a broad segment of the local community.

The successful delivery of six educational events marks an important achievement, contributing to increased cultural awareness and encouraging long-term community involvement in safeguarding heritage.

Implementing and Funding Partners

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