Ancient City of Damascus

Before the conflict:

• Society valuing of heritage (Poor state of conservation)
• Changes in traditional ways of life and knowledge system (Inappropriate restoration techniques)
• Legal framework (Lack of a buffer zone) (issue resolved)
• Management System/Management Plan (Lack of a management plan)
• Housing (Development projects threatening the emblematic historic fabric)
• Ground transport infrastructure (Development projects threatening the emblematic historic fabric) (issue resolved)

Since March 2011:

• Armed conflict (Damage due to the armed conflict)
• Other factors (Fire due to an electrical incident at al-Asrooniya and elsewhere in the property)
• Management activities (Lack of maintenance of the sewage system due to the conflict)

Destruction as well as ascertained and potential threats consequent to the armed conflict in Syria that started in March 2011

Adopted; see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/7685

Adopted; see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/7685

Adopted; see page https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/7685

Total amount granted to the property: USD 10,000 from the Italian Funds-in-Trust.
Total amount provided to the six Syrian World Heritage properties: 200,000 euros by the Italian Government; for movable and intangible heritage: 2.46 million euros by the European Union, USD 170,000 by the Flemish Government, 63,000 euros by the Austrian Government, USD 200,000 by the German Government; for cultural heritage under conflict: USD 200,000 by the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage in Bahrain

On 11 January 2024, the State Party submitted state of conservation reports for the six Syrian World Heritage properties, which are available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/20/documents/, and include updated information on progress in a number of conservation issues at the property, as follows:

• In October 2023, a project implemented by UNDP on early recovery planning was launched for the property. Five committees were formed through the project, which aims to arrive at an early recovery plan for nine neighbourhoods of the ancient city with the integrated participation of the local community, enhance inclusive participation in local decision-making processes, and engage a socially responsible private sector;
• The action plan for the ‘digital transformation’ project (2022-2025) includes four components with 25 actions, three of which relating to digital studies have been implemented;
• The goals of the Master Plan entitled ‘Integrated Plan for the Preservation and Development of the Ancient City of Damascus’ include developing a long-term strategy for sustainably integrating and developing the property within its larger context, protecting it from development pressures, encouraging participatory planning, controlling and undertaking rehabilitation works, applying restoration and reconstruction standards also for neighbouring historical districts, providing traditional building material and training craftsmen, developing tourism activities in relation with the historical values of the property, maintaining environmental integrity (reduction of water, air and noise pollution) and raising awareness among communities;
• Under the supervision of the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM), restoration was undertaken at several monuments, including at al-Sibaei, Qwatli, Nizam and al-Azem Palaces, at al-Jieeania Mausoleum and Khan Assaad Pasha, as well as at Beit Abdulrahman Pasha al-Yusuf;
• Further details have been provided on the restoration and adaptation project relaunched in 2021 for Khan Suleiman Pasha, a building owned by the Municipality of Damascus, which is to be converted into a five-star hotel. Excavations revealed archaeological levels that were documented and partly showcased;
• The International Youth Chamber and the Ministry of Industry organized an exhibition featuring more than 20 traditional crafts and the Crafts Support Committee provided a three-month free training course.

The State Party has continued to engage in an integrated and ambitious recovery phase, through the early recovery planning project and the ‘digital transformation’ project, by which numerous activities aimed at sustainably developing the property are planned and being implemented. Driven by strong participatory approach and largely targeting the involvement and benefit of communities, the initiatives are welcome.

The Committee previously requested the State Party to provide further information on how the digital transformation project and comprehensive development plan are linked with the overall Master Plan to ensure the long terms sustainable development of the City, and to inform the World Heritage Centre once the Master Plan is approved. It is understood that the committee in charge of developing the Master Plan is being formed, and that the plan would address major issues, such as building control, rehabilitation works, and maintaining historical and environmental integrity, notably by establishing restoration standards, promoting craftsmanship and the provision of traditional construction materials, and carrying out restoration works. This integrated plan is likely to become a major instrument for the preservation of the property, and it is therefore recommended that the Committee request the State Party to submit a draft version of the plan, that is in line with the implementation of the UNESCO 2011 Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL Recommendation), to the World Heritage Centre, for examination by the Advisory Bodies before finalization, to ensure that the city’s development contributes to the well-being of communities and to the conservation of cultural heritage.

As requested in Decision 45 COM 7A.42, the State Party submitted further information on the rehabilitation of Khan Suleiman Pasha, supported by illustrative material. The study for the implementation of a rehabilitation project was conducted in 2011, while works were only initiated in 2021, integrating the impact of recent damage owing to further deterioration over time, and worsened by sewage leakage, in addition to taking into consideration archaeological remains that were revealed during works. Although the quality of repair and restoration works undertaken appear appropriate, it is regrettable that this project was not submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review by Advisory Bodies before the works were commenced, as certain recommendations may have been timely provided, notably for the central court and dome. No information has been submitted on the implications of the proposed hotel conversion of this significant building, which should be separately reported and subject to a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), that is submitted and reviewed by ICOMOS before the hotel conversion works proceed. More generally, it would be appropriate to remind the State Party again of the obligation to submit, in conformity with paragraphs 118bis and 172 of the Operational Guidelines, information on any proposal that may have an impact on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property to the World Heritage Centre for examination by the Advisory Bodies before making any decision that would be difficult to reverse and before any further works commence, along with a HIAthat follows the methodology of the Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessments in a World Heritage Context.

Substantial progress is being achieved towards the implementation of the corrective measures required to achieve the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR). In particular, this pertains to the management system, and the planning for enhanced building control and restoration. However, the State Party report does not include either a systematic update on progress with the adopted corrective measures and achievement of the DSOCR, or a specific response to each of the requests made by the Committee is Decision 45 COM 7A.42. The State Party should be encouraged and requested to report to the World Heritage Centre on the achievements of these measures by providing a table that sets out evidence for each corrective measure that has been implemented. The State Party should also be reminded of the need to address and report on the Committee’s decisions.

Given the progress achieved in resuming regular conservation and management work at the property, it remains crucial that the invited joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS/ICCROM Reactive Monitoring mission take place as soon as the situation allows, to enable a comprehensive assessment of the state of conservation of the property.