In a gesture of appreciation for their integrity and dedication to safeguarding Syrian heritage during the years of war, Syria’s Minister of Culture, Mohammad Yassin Al-Saleh, honored Abdul Latif Al-Khalaf, the guard of the Herqla archaeological site, along with his wife, after they handed over a collection of artifacts they had preserved since 2013 to the relevant authorities.
This recognition came in acknowledgment of their role in protecting these artifacts, which belong to Jaabar Museum and several archaeological sites in Raqqa Governorate. The items were delivered to the curator of Raqqa Museum, Mohammad Jajjan, in late April 2026, after being carefully safeguarded throughout the war out of fear of theft or destruction.
The Minister of Culture emphasized that this act reflects the authenticity of the Syrian people and their deep awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations, according to local media reports.
Abdul Latif Al-Khalaf had hidden these artifacts in a pit near his home since 2013, a story documented in a video that circulated widely on social media, earning him widespread praise from Syrians who commended his honesty and strong sense of national responsibility.
It is worth noting that thousands of archaeological sites in Syria were left unprotected during the war years, leading to widespread illegal excavations and organized looting. ISIS, which controlled large parts of the country in 2014, looted antiquities from Palmyra and other regions, destroyed prominent historical sites, and used the illicit antiquities trade as a source of funding for its operations.
Regions such as Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Al-Hasakah also witnessed systematic theft of ancient coins and smaller artifacts, posing a serious threat to Syria’s cultural heritage.
