About Us
Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums
The Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums in Syria was established in 1946, following independence, to take on the responsibility of protecting Syria’s cultural heritage and uncovering its treasures.
Its initial tasks included documenting archaeological sites, organizing excavations, and enacting laws for the preservation of antiquities.
With the increase in archaeological discoveries, the Directorate’s scope of work expanded to cover various governorates through nearly 50 administrations, including museums, antiquities departments, and supervisory sites. These entities work on site restoration, organizing exhibitions, and publishing studies both locally and internationally.
Through its scientific efforts, the Directorate has enriched global knowledge of Syria’s history, bringing civilizations such as Mari, Ugarit, and Ebla into the curricula of universities and research centers worldwide. It has affirmed Syria’s role as a true cradle of human civilization throughout the ages.
- Inventory, registration, and preservation of both immovable and movable antiquities.
- Exploration and study of archaeological sites and collection of information about them.
- Monitoring, maintaining, and utilizing archaeological and historical buildings.
- Establishing, developing, and managing national museums.
- Conducting archaeological excavations and supervising excavation missions.
- Studying and publishing the results of archaeological discoveries.
- Regulating the use and management of sites and museums in ways that serve the goals of protection and awareness.
- Collecting and analyzing artifacts discovered by chance.
- Protecting antiquities from smuggling and illicit trafficking.
- Prosecuting crimes against antiquities and combating illegal excavations.
- Conducting and publishing historical and scientific research.
- Preserving historical documents subject to the Antiquities Law.
- Organizing archaeological seminars and conferences locally and internationally.
- Supervising licensed archaeological associations and institutions.
- Cooperating with international organizations to recover smuggled antiquities.
- Promoting cultural cooperation with Arab and foreign countries.
- Organizing and hosting archaeological exhibitions inside and outside Syria.
- Collaborating with universities and research centers in archaeological studies.
- Training and qualifying national cadres in the fields of archaeology and restoration.
Tasks of the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums
A scientific body based in Damascus, affiliated with the Minister of Culture, responsible for safeguarding both tangible and movable cultural heritage and highlighting the civilizational and historical landmarks of the Syrian Arab Republic using modern scientific methods and disseminating them.
It undertakes the following tasks:
Administrative Structure
The General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums relies on a specialized administrative structure that includes directorates for Excavation, Restoration, Museums, Research, International Cooperation, and Legal Affairs, in addition to technical and administrative support units that operate in integrated coordination to protect the national heritage.
Museum Structure
The network includes national and regional museums distributed across the various governorates, overseen by the Directorate of Museums in cooperation with local antiquities departments. It encompasses archaeological, historical, and art museums that document Syria's cultural richness throughout the ages.
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