The ancient Harem Castle in Idlib Governorate is facing increasing risks as a result of neglect and the accumulation of damage, which raises questions about the reality of protecting this historical landmark and its fate.
The castle was damaged by the earthquake in February 2023, with estimates indicating that the extent of the damage reached a large percentage that requires technical confirmation, which was never written. It also witnessed three fires within one month in late June 2026, which raises concerns about fire protection and prevention measures.
The problem is not limited to structural damage, as the castle has been used as a military site since 2012, according to available information, while its identification plates have disappeared since 2013, which contributed to the decline in awareness of its historical value and archaeological components.
The castle includes stone walls and towers, arches, corridors, and old rooms, in addition to parts of the internal market and facilities related to the water system. These components require specialized documentation and maintenance to preserve the original archaeological fabric and prevent damage from worsening or the implementation of random actions.
Although projects have been proposed to rehabilitate the castle, the need remains to transform the plans into concrete actions. On June 17, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism visited the site, and put forward proposals to restore it, rehabilitate the internal market, and create a protection wall and a viewpoint. Works related to the restoration of the castle were also proposed during 2026, with the support of the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums.
The continuation of the situation threatens to exacerbate the damage and the possibility of stone blocks falling, posing a danger to visitors and those around the site, as well as the possibility of losing parts of its historical value. There is a need for urgent intervention to assess the damage, secure the castle, address the causes of the fires, and develop a clear plan for maintenance and restoration that ensures the protection of this landmark from further deterioration.
Zaman Al Wasl
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