Dimasheq
Culture Minister Mohammed Yassin Al-Saleh honored Diaa Al-Khanous, a resident of Idlib Governorate, in recognition of his integrity, awareness, and commitment to protecting Syria’s cultural heritage. The honor came after he preserved a collection of archaeological artifacts he had found in 2014 and handed them over to the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums.
The Ministry of Culture praised Al-Khanous’s initiative, describing it as a reflection of a strong sense of responsibility toward Syria’s cultural heritage, particularly in light of the risks faced by archaeological sites and heritage collections over the past years. The ministry stressed that protecting antiquities is a shared national and societal responsibility.
According to available information, Al-Khanous preserved the archaeological pieces he had found for more than a decade, ensuring that they remained safeguarded until they could be handed over to the competent authorities. This will enable their preservation, documentation, and study in accordance with the procedures followed by the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums.
The recognition comes in appreciation of the responsible conduct demonstrated by the citizen and highlights the role local communities can play in preserving cultural property and preventing its loss or illegal trafficking. Such efforts contribute to protecting Syria’s historical and cultural memory.
The Ministry of Culture affirmed that heritage preservation is not limited to institutions and specialized authorities, but requires cooperation between citizens and local communities, who are essential partners in protecting archaeological sites, finds, and artifacts, as well as reporting them and handing them over to the relevant authorities.
The archaeological artifacts that were handed over add to the collections currently being protected and documented by the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums, helping preserve their historical and cultural value and ensuring that they remain part of Syria’s cultural heritage for future generations.
The honoring of Diaa Al-Khanous highlights the importance of individual initiatives in protecting the national heritage and provides an example of social responsibility in dealing with archaeological and cultural property, away from exploitation or trafficking, in line with efforts to safeguard Syria’s heritage and preserve its remaining tangible components.
