Professor Khaled al-Asaad was a father of six sons and five daughters, all raised by a devoted Syrian mother who instilled in them excellent values. He maintained a relationship of friendship and respect with his children, in a family characterized by love, understanding, harmony, self-reliance, and teamwork.

He completed his primary education in Palmyra and then moved to Damascus to continue his studies with distinction. His memories include long, dusty journeys between Palmyra and Damascus, taking more than ten hours by truck.

He studied at Damascus University, earning a degree in history, followed by a diploma in education. Yet, the scent and allure of history drew him back to archaeology in 1962, when he began working as Head of Studies and Excavations at the Directorate of Antiquities in Damascus, and later at Qasr al-Azm, until the end of 1963.

The events surrounding the paving of the Palmyra road in 1961 left a deep impression on him, as travel became shorter and more enjoyable. Palmyra became a district center, and urban, agricultural, health, and educational development for boys and girls gradually shaped the city from 1963 onwards. The involvement of oil and phosphate companies absorbed much of the workforce and opened promising future prospects. By 1970, Palmyra’s population did not exceed 18,000.

Palmyra assumed its current form in 1930 after relocating from the Temple of Bel and its surroundings, covering no more than 3,000 hectares. Electricity reached the city in 1936. In 1982, the international Damascus-Palmyra-Deir ez-Zor road was paved, connecting the city to other Syrian cities, opening opportunities for commerce, services, and tourism. The establishment of hotels, restaurants, and Bedouin encampments further accommodated visiting tourist groups.

He began his professional career in 1963 as Director of Antiquities and Museums in Palmyra, working with a distinguished team of archaeologists. He worked tirelessly to develop the archaeological institution in Palmyra scientifically, administratively, and with state and foreign mission support. Inspired by the Greek philosopher Cicero’s saying, “He who does not know history remains forever a child,” he devoted himself to protecting archaeological sites as treasures for future generations, publishing Palmyra’s history and findings, and participating in international exhibitions and archaeological conferences in multiple languages. Palmyra became a cultural landmark and a destination for world leaders, kings, presidents, ministers, and scholars, who considered visiting it a dream and a prime cultural tourism objective in the Near East. He showcased Palmyra in its finest state, explaining to visitors the capabilities of the ancient Arabs in building this civilization, transforming barren stones into monumental structures, military and water facilities, in the heart of the desert, far from large rivers, creating a shaded oasis.

Khaled al-Asaad continually developed himself, learning the Palmyrene Aramaic language. Since 1980, he translated inscriptions discovered during excavations, which are in Arabic meaning but with different letter forms. He was also fluent in English.

Major Roles and Contributions:

• 1961-1963: Head of Excavations at the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums.

• 1963-2003: Director of Palmyra Antiquities and National Museum.

• 1963-2003: Head or participant in national and international excavation and restoration missions, including the Palmyrene Development Project (1962–1966), discovering major parts of the Long Street, the Tetrapylon square, tombs, caves, and the Byzantine cemetery.

• Director of the Syrian side in all joint foreign missions (Swiss, American, Polish, French, German).

Work with International, Regional, and Arab Institutions:

• National expert for developing cultural tourism, CDTP Archaeological Development Program in Palmyra (joint project with UNESCO, Ministry of Tourism, EU-funded).

• National expert for local administration program (MAM) in cooperation with the Directorate of Antiquities, Ministry of Local Administration, and the European Commission.

Even after retirement, he continued his work in archaeology, contributing his expertise to ongoing missions in Palmyra, particularly regarding Palmyrene inscriptions.

International Participation:
He took part in archaeological exhibitions, conferences, and symposiums in Italy, Greece, Austria, India, Iran, and the UK.
Notable discoveries include the exquisite Palmyra Venus sculpture in 1988 and several tombs. He oversaw the restoration of more than 400 columns along the Long Street, temples of Bel and Al-Lat, memorial columns, the Triumphal Arch, walls, towers, and other structures, as well as the Arab Citadel (Fakhr-al-Din Castle). He supervised new constructions and infrastructure development connecting archaeological sites.

Publications and Research:

• Welcome to Palmyra: The First Tourist Guide (1966)

• Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi: A City in the Desert (1978)

• Palmyra: Archaeologically, Historically, and Touristically (1984)

• Studies on Palmyrene inscriptions, mummies, textiles, and tombs, published in multiple languages between 1965–2006.

Awards:

• Knight of the Order of Merit, France

• Knight of the Order of Merit, Poland

• Order of Merit, Tunisia

Khaled al-Asaad’s lifelong dedication transformed Palmyra into a beacon of cultural heritage, showcasing the grandeur of the ancient world and preserving it for generations to come.