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The Syrian war is not only infamous of its many casualties but also because of the destruction of the most beautiful ancient history sites found all over the country. A year after ISIS took it, the Syrian city of Palmyra was recently retaken by Syrian forces backed by Russian airstrikes. Previously known as home to many of the world’s most treasured historical sites, now many artifacts were destroyed by the Islamic state forces in an anti iconoclastic purge. Now, Joseph Eid, a photographer for AFP news agency who took photos of the site just two years ago, has posted before-and-after images of the damage done by the terrorist attack.
“Of course the Temple of Bel will never be the same,” Syria’s antiquities and historical monuments director, Mamoun Abdulkarim, told the Times Of Israel. “According to our experts, we will definitely be able to restore a third of the destroyed cella, or maybe even more if we carry out additional studies with UNESCO’s help…I invite archaeologists and experts everywhere to come work with us because this site is part of the ancient history and heritage of all humanity.”
More info: Twitter
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Temple of Bel before and after it was destroyed by Isis in September 2015
The Arc de Triomphe (Triumph’s Arch)
The Temple of Bel dated back to 32AD
Security officials at the same temple site
The Temple of Baal Shamin seen used to be visible through these two columns
The remains of Temple of Bel’s “Cella”
Ruins of a statue in the Palmyra museum
Picture taken in the Palymra museum showing defaced sculptures
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What do you think ?
KatinkaMin 9 years ago
There will always be ignorant and crazy extremists. You cant just wipe them out, because that will just create more of them. you can only try and cut of thier supply: their money, the people that flock to them, their communication. Isis is a Symptom and we in 'the west' have taken part in creating the problem.
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ArnoudLievers 9 years ago
This is painfull indeed. Still it feels silly to worry about the ancient art, when you hear about what they do to the people. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35728424 this is the story from a man in Raqqa
MikiNyckel 9 years ago
We focus on what they're doing to the people already, and that's good. I mean, good that it is made known. However, it's also good to see the other destruction as well. To show an all around view of their path of destruction. Anything to help every person stand against them.
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GlynisLailann 9 years ago
This is so sad, but at the same time - It all boils down to education doesn't it? If you don't know about history and archaeology, you wont understand why it is so important to preserve it.
TrishDavey 9 years ago
They are terrorists and vandals of the worst kind by destroying everything that was built before Mohammed, they should be wiped off the face of this earth :(
PolarBear 9 years ago
Can Anyone Explain To Me Why Some People Or Groups Would Destroy Something Because They Believe It Bothers Imaginary Friend? What IDIOTS!!!!
SusannaVesna 9 years ago
Art & history is usually destroyed by half-wits who could never do anything similar themselves! I am glad this post puts in a good word for what Russia & official Syrian armies have been doing- fighting ISIS, may Allah burn them in hell!
ShaherisSuhel 9 years ago
They WILL. i am muslim and i am proud to muslim. But this aHoles who say they are following islam certainly not one. Becoz there is no such a thing in islam or in holy book of islam. They will sure burn in hell for eternity. Becoz murder is the biggest sin in islam after dishonesty towards religion. And these people doing both. So they WILL AND I PRAY FOR IT.
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RonaldFerreira 9 years ago
worship god with the torn down temple since they dont want anyone worshiping him and not isis.
KatinkaMin 9 years ago
There will always be ignorant and crazy extremists. You cant just wipe them out, because that will just create more of them. you can only try and cut of thier supply: their money, the people that flock to them, their communication. Isis is a Symptom and we in 'the west' have taken part in creating the problem.
Load More Replies... ArnoudLievers 9 years ago
This is painfull indeed. Still it feels silly to worry about the ancient art, when you hear about what they do to the people. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35728424 this is the story from a man in Raqqa
MikiNyckel 9 years ago
We focus on what they're doing to the people already, and that's good. I mean, good that it is made known. However, it's also good to see the other destruction as well. To show an all around view of their path of destruction. Anything to help every person stand against them.
Load More Replies... GlynisLailann 9 years ago
This is so sad, but at the same time - It all boils down to education doesn't it? If you don't know about history and archaeology, you wont understand why it is so important to preserve it.
TrishDavey 9 years ago
They are terrorists and vandals of the worst kind by destroying everything that was built before Mohammed, they should be wiped off the face of this earth :(
PolarBear 9 years ago
Can Anyone Explain To Me Why Some People Or Groups Would Destroy Something Because They Believe It Bothers Imaginary Friend? What IDIOTS!!!!
SusannaVesna 9 years ago
Art & history is usually destroyed by half-wits who could never do anything similar themselves! I am glad this post puts in a good word for what Russia & official Syrian armies have been doing- fighting ISIS, may Allah burn them in hell!
ShaherisSuhel 9 years ago
They WILL. i am muslim and i am proud to muslim. But this aHoles who say they are following islam certainly not one. Becoz there is no such a thing in islam or in holy book of islam. They will sure burn in hell for eternity. Becoz murder is the biggest sin in islam after dishonesty towards religion. And these people doing both. So they WILL AND I PRAY FOR IT.
Load More Replies... RonaldFerreira 9 years ago
worship god with the torn down temple since they dont want anyone worshiping him and not isis.
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