(SANA) The Damascus Citadel is hosting 23 Syrian archaeological artifacts that returned from France last July after nearly 15 years abroad, as part of an exhibition held during the “Syria Summer for Families 2026” Festival.
The exhibition gives families, children and young visitors an opportunity to learn about Syrian heritage through artifacts representing different historical periods.
Director General of Antiquities and Museums Dr. Masoud Badawi told SANA that the collection holds significant historical value, with pieces dating from prehistoric times to the Ottoman era and reflecting the diversity of Syrian civilization.
Badawi said the artifacts had been loaned to an exhibition of Syrian antiquities at the Arab World Institute in Paris since 2010. Their return was achieved through coordination between Syria and France, including legal and technical procedures to bring them back to their country of origin.
He added that the recovery took place on the sidelines of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Damascus last July, and that the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums chose to present the collection to the public during the festival.
The artifacts were originally planned to be displayed at the National Museum in Damascus, but the Damascus Citadel exhibition provided an opportunity to introduce them to a wider audience, particularly families and young visitors.
Badawi said the exhibition had attracted strong public interest, with visitors showing greater awareness of the historical value of the artifacts by reading their descriptions and learning about their significance.
He explained that after the exhibition ends, each artifact will return to its original museum or location in areas including Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia and Daraa, representing Syria’s geographic and cultural diversity.
The 23 artifacts, including the ancient limestone statue of Iku-Shamagan, King of Mari, mark the end of a nearly 15-year absence and form part of efforts to preserve Syrian heritage and reconnect new generations with the country’s cultural history.
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