Andrea Gagliarducci
Archaeological missions in Syria: an example of the alliance between diplomacy and religious tourism
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Other articles by the author: Religious diplomacy: A resource for religious tourism
Andrea Gagliarducci
Archaeological missions in Syria: an example of the alliance between diplomacy and religious tourism
For thirteen years, Syria has been engulfed in a civil war whose consequences are still present. Yet, an archaeological mission has continued to study, uncover artifacts, and shape history. A mission that is, in a way, laying the foundations for a resurgence of tourism in the country, and thus providing impetus for a much-needed reconstruction within institutions that can guarantee stability and security.
The mission was led by Hungarian archaeologist Balász Major, head of the Department of Archaeology at the Pázmány Péter Catholic University in Budapest, who has been working with his team for years on the remains of two large castles of the Knights Hospitaller, now known worldwide as the Order of Malta. In 2018, he presented the results of his research on Margat, and this year he reported on discoveries made at another castle, the so-called Krak des Chevalier , in a conference held at the Hungarian Embassy to the Holy See on September 14.
The conference highlighted how efforts have been made to preserve the architectural authenticity of the sites, including the adoption of particularly cutting-edge architectural solutions. The project also includes specific archaeological investigations, structural restorations, the design of exhibition spaces, and training for Syrian specialists in excavation, documentation, and modern conservation techniques.
In short, the works aim to protect the site, and at the same time support religious tourism and local economic development.
It's a project that speaks volumes about what diplomacy can do through tourism, and vice versa. The presence of universities, agreements with local ministries of culture, and archaeological excavation and preservation efforts not only raise historical awareness, but also lay the foundation for the region's development. And a region that develops, attracts historical interest, and is also the subject of international study, is a region everyone has a vested interest in keeping at peace.
Diplomacy, tourism, development, and archaeology can thus develop alliances and synergies. This is even more important for monuments located in territories where history is measured in millennia, not centuries, as is the case in Syria.
Krak des Chevaliers is in fact a key monument of the Holy Land at the time of the Crusades, it was defined by Lawrence of Arabia as “the most beautiful castle in the world”, and it dominates and protects the plain of Homs, controlling the road that leads to the sea.
But it is a castle with a profound religious dimension, due precisely to the fact that the Hospitallers were warrior monks. This is revealed in the architecture, especially in the famous Gothic-style gallery preceding the great hall and the chapel's frescoes, which Major's work is bringing to light.
Before the Hungarian mission, France had played a major role in preserving the fortress. In 1919, after the First World War, France had created an "Antiquities Service" in Syria and Lebanon, at the instigation of the League of Nations—the forerunner of the United Nations—which had entrusted France with an archaeological mission. Between 1920 and 1940, seventy sites were studied, and Krak des Chevalier was the subject of two subsequent missions, in 1927 and 1929, and then a restoration mission in 1933. It was purchased by France at the instigation of Paul Deschamps, with the belief that the state should preserve this extraordinary heritage of the Crusades.
Hungary took over the interest with the foundation of the Syro-Hungarian Archaeological Mission (SHAM) led by Bálasz Major. Before focusing on Krak, research conducted from 2007 to 2017 in the coastal areas of Syria led to specific work on another fortress, that of Al- Marqab or Margat, which the Syrian authorities had entrusted exclusively to SHAM.
Hungarian interest also has a historical reason. Andrew II of Hungary led a Crusade in 1218, and during the expedition he visited the two most important castles of the Order of Hospitallers, Krak des Chevaliers and Margat, and committed to providing a significant annual contribution to support the two fortresses.
The fact that the Hungarian mission remained during the conflict— the Krak was even used as a base by opposition forces who terrorized Christian villages and was damaged—is yet another example of how, in this world, everything is connected. The archaeological mission can create the conditions for peace and development. And, once archaeological sites become exhibition spaces and places to visit, a virtuous circle is created that allows tourism to recreate a social fabric in the area. Tourism, after all, is an exercise in soft diplomacy .
Author: Andrea Gagliarducci
Executive Director. The Roman Watch.X andygag
The authors are responsible for the choice and presentation of the facts contained in this document and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of Tourism and Society Think Tank and do not commit the Organization, and should not be attributed to TSTT or its members.
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