Syria’s Treasure Hunting Fever Hikes Amid Economic Struggles

• Treasure hunting is surging in Syria after the Assad regime’s downfall.
• Metal detectors, formerly banned, are becoming widely available in shops.
• High poverty levels and security collapse drive locals to seek ancient artifacts.

Treasure Hunting Takes Root Post-Assad Regime

Syria has found itself amidst an unexpected phenomenon — a surge in treasure hunting, fueled by the widespread availability of metal detectors in the aftermath of the Assad regime’s decline. Once strictly prohibited due to their military potential, these devices are now a hot commodity with shops popping up across the country. As William Christou reports, this frenzy is particularly pronounced in the ancient city of Palmyra, where the landscape bears scars from desperate searches for ancient artifacts and burial sites.

Archaeological Concerns Amidst Economic Desperation

This new wave of treasure hunting may be partly attributed to the chaos that reigned during and after the Syrian civil war, notably in regions long-starved of economic opportunity. With the collapse of security forces and abysmal levels of poverty, many locals feel that their only viable path to financial recovery is through unearthing historical relics. Even renowned archaeologist Amr Al-Azm, who leads the Athar Project to monitor illicit antiquity trade in the Middle East, highlights how conditions established by groups like the Islamic State have exacerbated this trend.

Combating Looting Requires Global Cooperation

According to Al-Azm, the cycle of looting cannot be broken without addressing the demand from Western markets, where collectors have little oversight regarding the origins of their acquisitions. There is an urgent need for a collaborative international effort to curb illegal trade and honor the rich cultural heritage of Syria instead of exploiting it. As the Guardian emphasizes, without decisive action, this hunting craze may only intensify, leaving irreversible damage on Syria’s historical sites in its wake.

The onset of treasure hunting in Syria is a complex response to years of conflict and economic distress. The rise of metal detectors in a once-restricted market now presents formidable challenges for archaeologists and cultural heritage advocates. Addressing the demand for smuggled treasures in foreign markets stands vital for any hope of preserving Syria’s invaluable archaeological legacy.