Preserving Syrian Heritage | British Council

Anaglyph (stereo) image of the Roman remains at Shahba in South West Syria taken by a local volunteer photographer ©
Institute for Digital Archaeology

We are pleased to award Preserving Syrian Heritage Project £109,445

This project aims to train Syrians in digital documentation techniques in order to digitally document heritage sites at risk.

Protecting heritage in Syria

Heritage sites in Syria are under grave and immediate threat as the war continues. Archaeological sites in the region are subject to illegal excavations and looting, with archaeological objects then sold through illicit markets. In addition, sites have been routinely destroyed by Daesh as a direct attack on Syria and its people.

Utilising digital for heritage protection

In this project, Syrian archaeologists will be trained in digital documentation techniques in order to digitally document heritage sites at risk.

Photographic data will be collected from at least five sites in order to generate 3D models and accurate pictures of threatened sites, resulting in a new digital record of heritage at risk in the region.

About The Institute for Digital Archaeology

The Institute for Digital Archaeology (IDA) is a joint venture between Harvard University, the University of Oxford and Dubai Future Foundation that promotes the development and use of digital imaging and 3D printing techniques in archaeology, epigraphy, art history and museum conservation.

Further, through partnerships with institutions across the globe, the IDA creates accessible digital archives that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and the crowd-sourcing of research.