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Heritage Commission Launches Al-Yamama Archaeological Project in Riyadh 

Heritage Commission Launches Al-Yamama Archaeological Project in Riyadh 
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Heritage Commission Launches Al-Yamama Archaeological Project in Riyadh 

Heritage Commission Launches Al-Yamama Archaeological Project in Riyadh 

The Saudi Heritage Commission launched the Al-Yamama Archaeological Project, which focuses on surveying, exploring, and excavating in and around Riyadh to discover its history and preserve the Kingdom's cultural heritage sites.

From 2024 to 2028, the commission will carry out various archaeological surveys and excavations in Riyadh. This includes a detailed survey of Riyadh, along Wadi Hanifah, and surrounding areas. Three excavation projects are scheduled in locations such as the Dharma governorate, Al-Hanee and Al-Masane areas, in collaboration with the commission’s partners.

Experts in Riyadh's history and antiquities, academics and students from Saudi universities and international educational institutions will collaborate in the project and excavations.

The project aims to uncover key aspects of Riyadh's growth, and explore, document, and preserve archaeological and historical sites, in line with the commission's objective to safeguard and showcase the Kingdom's enduring civilization.

The Heritage Commission utilizes cutting-edge technologies for extensive surveys, such as geographic information systems, ground-penetrating radar surveys, 3D modeling, magnetic surveying, low-altitude aerial photography, and AI for generating geographic and topographic maps.

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War-damaged Souks Reopen in Syria's Aleppo

People walk along an alley during the reopening of restored bazaars that were damaged during the Syrian conflict in the northern city of Aleppo © - / AFP
People walk along an alley during the reopening of restored bazaars that were damaged during the Syrian conflict in the northern city of Aleppo © - / AFP
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War-damaged Souks Reopen in Syria's Aleppo

People walk along an alley during the reopening of restored bazaars that were damaged during the Syrian conflict in the northern city of Aleppo © - / AFP
People walk along an alley during the reopening of restored bazaars that were damaged during the Syrian conflict in the northern city of Aleppo © - / AFP

Four historic souks in northern Syria's Aleppo, heavily damaged during some of the most intense fighting of the 13-year civil war, reopened this week following their restoration.

"After I reopened my old shop, following the renovation of the market, I felt my spirit return with it," said merchant Omar al-Rawwas, 45, who inherited his family's carpet business at the revived Saqtiya 2 souk.

Once famous for its bustling markets and old citadel, Aleppo's Old City was rendered almost unrecognizable by some of the worst violence in Syria's conflict between government forces and opposition that began after mass protests in 2011.

The fighting in Aleppo, which lasted until 2016 when Damascus recaptured the area with Moscow's support, completely destroyed many of the famed markets in the city previously considered Syria's economic capital.

Four souks in the Old City, restored through combined public and private efforts, reopened Wednesday evening -- drawing officials, residents and charity representatives to the celebration.

"Thank God, things have improved and the country has gotten better," Rawwas told AFP, noting that some of his business is from people returning to Aleppo since calm returned.

"Today, expatriates return from abroad to their homes, finding their rugs damaged by moths. They have them repaired because some of these rugs hold personal memories and others have special value to them."

The revived strip of shops, some reduced to ashes at the start of the conflict, stretches for about 100 metres (330 feet) across the Old City.

In previous years, three other souks of the total of 37 that once surrounded the citadel were restored.

The Saqtiya 2 souk was relatively spared the damage that hit other markets, where restoration work is continuing, albeit slowly, due to the country's economic crisis.

According to UNESCO, as much as 60 percent of Aleppo's Old City was badly damaged in fighting, and of that 30 percent was completely destroyed.

The Syrian army recaptured eastern Aleppo from opposition groups after a siege and heavy bombardment that forced tens of thousands of civilians and fighters to flee.

"In 2012, we fled the souk under bombardment and gunfire. We didn't leave by choice but were forced to," said Abdallah Chawwa, 49, who sells Aleppo's famous olive oil soap.

"I am now back in my shop and my spirit has returned to me."