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THE FUTURE OF SYRIAN ANTIQUITIES The
modern world is faced with a number of challenges, not
least of which is the preservation of the past. With increasing
development there is no way to preserve everything. A number of
sites have been protected, and museums are still being built.
Yet in order to increase the pace of preservation, visitors must
have an interest in the past. No matter what ones focus, Syria offers a huge range of sites to visit.
Syrian hospitality is also well known, and there are a number of
ways to tour the country. For independent travellers there
are busses that go to many major cities and sites. There
are also many tour operators that would be more than happy to
escort one through what Syria has to offer. A rise in tourist numbers will not only provide much needed finance for culture in Syria, it will have long lasting effects on how Syria is perceived by the world. Syria is emerging as a major tourist destination, and the future of Syrian monuments has never been so bright. SYRIAN CULTURAL TOURISM This
web site is designed to present the range of cultural sights in
Syria. Given the range of ancient cities and structures in
Syria, a website many times as large would not cover the
subject. This presentation is arranged by periods in
chronological order. Special emphasis is placed on aspects
of history that may be overlooked by most tour guides and books.
The final part of this website gives some indication of the
range of handicrafts and art available to purchase. All
photographs were taken by the author. Dates are noted using the
convention BC and AD, and unless otherwise noted are the latter. Mention Syria to most people and there will be immediate historical associations. Damascus, an ancient city mentioned in the Bible, and the Street Called Straight, provide some of the most colourful literary images of the ancient world. Perhaps romantic tales of Queen Zenobia and her struggle with the Romans will come to mind, with a tinge of regret for what happened to the most beautiful city of the East. History is very much alive in Syria, and there are growing numbers of tourists coming from around the world to appreciate ancient as well as modern Syrian culture. Many pleasures and adventures await those who leave Damascus to explore other regions of the country, and this web site is largely designed to stimulate interest through images and focussed text.
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