An astonishing archeological discovery recently made in rural Damascus raises concerns about the preservation of Syrian cultural heritage. Reports have surfaced that security forces have confiscated a mosaic and two chests filled with gold. 

The precious artifacts were found by a farmer on his land in Barheliya, a small town in the countryside west of Damascus, following a period of intense torrential rainfall. The identity of the farmer has not been disclosed.

There are suspicions powerful entities such as the Fourth Armored Division, the Republican Guard, and the Air Force Intelligence Directorate are behind unauthorized excavations, reigniting worries about the illicit trade in artifacts.  

Mahmoud Abbas, who heads the municipality in the nearby village of Souq Wadi Barada, confirmed a mosaic was found. The Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) is set to evaluate its historical significance. 

However, opposition-run websites tell a different story. They claim that, upon hearing about the presence of gold and antiquities, the security services conducted a thorough search of the area. They were accompanied by elements from the Fourth Armored Division. Stringent security measures were put in place. 

The incident is unfortunately not an isolated affair in the historically rich valley of the Barada River or Wadi Barada. Villages like Barheliya, Souq Wadi Barada, and Kafr Al-Awamid, at the foot of Mount Abel, all proudly showcase ancient Greek columns. 

The roots of Barheliya can be traced back to the Aramean Kingdom of Aram-Damascus, which existed from the late 12th century BCE until 732 BCE. In Roman times, Souq Wadi Barada, known as Abila or Abilene, played a crucial role connecting Damascus, Baalbek (Heliopolis), and the Mediterranean coast. 

The region is mentioned in the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Popular belief has it that Mount Abel is in fact Abel’s burial site. A mausoleum built in 1599 still attracts pilgrims from the Druze, Shiite, and Sunni communities. 

The recent mysterious excavation draws attention to the ongoing exploitation of Syria’s historical treasures and cultural heritage. 

Hassan’s Story

The story of Hassan, a 40-year-old math teacher, serves as a reminder of the potentially devastating consequences of Syrian and/ or Russian forces being involved in illegal excavations. In 2017, Syrian military intelligence forced him to participate in excavations in Palmyra, some 240 kilometers east of Damascus. 

Promised exemption from military service and paid some US$ 16 a day, he assisted in unearthing artifacts that were later seized by Russian forces. The latter then abandoned the excavation sites, allowing the Islamic State (ISIS) to take control, falsely creating the impression that the extremist organization had conducted the excavations. 

Hassan claimed similar excavations took place in Wadi Barada during that period. 

Local residents have reported for years that criminal organizations are operating in the area, seeking ancient artifacts. These mafias enjoy protection from Russian forces and Syrian security and military personnel. 

There have also been several incidents of counterfeit antiquities being sold to members of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, who fought Syrian opposition forces in the region.

In addition to Russian soldiers, reports suggest Syrian forces are  involved in excavating, looting, and smuggling antiquities. The Military and Air Force Intelligence directorates, the Republican Guard, and senior officials like Major General Talal Makhlouf and Brigadier General Qais al-Farwa have been linked to such activities. 

Recent reports also indicate that Major General Maher al-Assad, commander of the Fourth Armored Division and younger brother of the Syrian President, is overseeing the operations. 

Rules and Regulations

Syrian law regarding illegal excavations and the smuggling of antiquities urgently require comprehensive updates to eliminate any ambiguity. 

First formulated by Legislative Decree 222 in 1963, and amended in 1999, the Syrian Antiquities Law imposes penalties varying from 10 to 15 years imprisonment. However, fines ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 Syrian Pounds (US$ 11 to $55), no longer deter due to the devaluation of the Syrian Pound.

Individuals who cause damage to historical sites or engage in the tampering of antiquities can face imprisonment for a period of three months to three years. The acquisition or transfer of unregistered artifacts without a permit can result in imprisonment of one to six months.

Tackling illegal excavations and the smuggling of artifacts faces significant challenges. Criminal networks, in collaboration with government officials, exploit the country’s instability, hindering law enforcement efforts. The prevalence of counterfeit artifacts furthermore complicates the identification and preservation of genuine ones. 

2017 Mosaic

On April 28, 2017, Mahmoud Diab also known as Abu Tammam, from Barheliya told Syrian state TV how he was working with a bulldozer behind his house when he discovered a big mosaic. Recognizing its archaeological value, he decided to offer it as a gift to President Bashar al-Assad. The presidential palace did not comment on Diab’s story. 

Diab referred to a mosaic measuring 42 square meters, dating back to the 4th century AD. In August 2013, Syrian media reported that the DGAM had relocated the mosaic to the National Museum of Damascus. 

According to official sources the mosaic was discovered by the people of Barheliya who had reported it to the authorities. The Department of Antiquities of Damascus Countryside, stated that the mosaic was part of a much larger piece that had suffered extensive damage over the years.

Diab’s son Tammam played an important role in the excavations. He is closely connected to Major General Jamil Hassan, who headed the Air Force Intelligence Directorate at the time. 

Locals claim Tammam used to organize armed groups that carried out illicit excavations in Barheliya, Kafr al-Awamid, and Souq Wadi Barada.

Tammam’s name first popped up in the media in May 2012. The government then imposed a five-year ban on him engaging with the state due to him inadequately executing a contract. An official report accused Tammam of defrauding the state and embezzling 5,343,727 Syrian pounds (US$ 106,875). 

Yet, despite these allegations, Tammam was later involved in establishing pro-regime militias in Wadi Barada and facilitating “national reconciliation” efforts in the region. 

Consequences 

The consequences of illicit excavations extend beyond the loss of cultural heritage. Such locations as Barheliya, Souq Wadi Barada, and Kafr Al-Awamid hold profound historical importance. Archeological finds could help provide insights into the region’s Greek and Roman past. 

Immediate action is needed to safeguard antiquities, preserve their historical importance, and hold those responsible for any illicit activities accountable. However, achieving these objectives requires international cooperation and a collaborative law enforcement effort to curb looting and smuggling of Syria’s ancient treasures.