Fatimid treasure seized by Assad's security: Documents reveal discovery of 80 gold pieces in an old Damascene house

Zaman al-Wasl obtained exclusive images of official documents revealing the unknown fate of an archaeological treasure discovered in the heart of Old Damascus.

The story begins with routine restoration work in an old house, which led to the discovery of a secret cache containing dozens of historical gold liras and dinars. These coins were eventually placed in the custody of the Political Security Branch in Damascus.

Details of the Lost Treasure

The document, dated August 12, 2021, confirms that the gold pieces underwent a thorough inventory and examination, with their technical descriptions meticulously recorded.

The collection consists of 80 rare gold pieces, including:

- Fatimid dinars dating back to 1101 AD (900 years old), inscribed with the declaration of faith, "There is no god but God, Muhammad is the Messenger of God, Ali is the Wali of God," and on the other side, "Imam al-Mansur, Abu Ali al-Amir bi-Ahkam Allah, Commander of the Faithful," among other phrases.

- Technical Condition: Official records described the condition of the pieces as "excellent." This raises their archaeological and historical value thousands of times over their material worth.

Where are they now?

While archaeological norms dictate that the Ministry of Culture should announce such a significant discovery that restores Damascus's historical splendor, a complete silence prevailed throughout 2021 and the years that followed.

Zaman al-Wasl examined the official archives and announcements issued by the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums, but found no mention of these artifacts.

The document we have before us today is conclusive proof that the Syrian regime's agencies actually "received" the treasure in the summer of 2021 and "theoretically" handed it over to the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums. But where are these pieces now?

Legitimate questions: Zaman al-Wasl brings this matter to the attention of the Ministry of Culture and relevant authorities: Have these pieces been entered into the national antiquities registry? Or has the "treasure" found its way into the pockets of influential figures in the Assad regime, far from the eyes of oversight and history?

Al-Hussein al-Shishakli