Archaeologists saved 30,000 treasures from ISIS during Syria war: Study

AI Summary

Syrian archaeologists led by Professor Maamoun Abdulkarim rescued about 30,000 artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum in 2014–2015 as fighting with ISIS threatened the collection. The operation highlights efforts to protect Syria's cultural heritage during wartime.

In a remarkable feat illustrating tenacity and dedication, Syrian archaeologists embarked on a dangerous mission in 2014-2015 to salvage around 30,000 artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum amidst the intense conflict with ISIS. Led by Professor Maamoun Abdulkarim, the operation faced significant challenges yet underscored the urgency of preserving Syria's cultural heritage and collective memory, reinforcing the crucial role historical artifacts play during times of crisis.