We captured destruction in Zenobia's city of Palmyra 

2025-12-05 09:58:09


	 

	TEDMUR - We witnessed the destruction carried out by DAESH in Palmyra, the city of Queen Zenobia. What was once a vibrant place is now a ghost town.

	Located northeast of Damascus and considered one of the world's most important cultural centres, the ancient city of Palmyra (Tedmur) became a target of DAESH in 2015. DAESH damaged many ruins in the ancient city. The Temple of Bel, the Temple of Baal Shamin, the Arch of Triumph, the Tetrapylon monument and some cemeteries were destroyed, while the amphitheatre and the colonnaded street also suffered extensive damage.

	The Mezopotamya Agency (MA) documented the destruction in the historic city, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The historic city is currently located in an area controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and bears the deep scars of war. Due to the fighting and risks, visits to the site have completely ceased since 2011. In recent years, the number of visitors to the historic city has been negligible. Only a few people selling souvenirs and some HTS members are present in the area.

	TRACES OF THE ATTACKS REMAIN

	Fragments of statues and busts destroyed and shattered by air strikes from DAESH and the regime still lie on the ground. While some temple columns have been completely destroyed or damaged, only the walls remain of some temples. In addition, many columns on the colonnaded street have been destroyed. Stones from the front section of the amphitheatre, which were demolished with sledgehammers, also remain where they fell.

	 

	

	It is reported that there are explosives around the historic castle on the dominant hill, and it has been noted that some artefacts have been stolen over time due to the lack of any security measures.

	CENTRAL BATTLEFIELD!

	In addition to the ancient city where the historical remains are located, significant destruction is also evident in the centre of Palmyra. Almost the entire city has been razed to the ground. Due to intense air strikes and fighting, no structures remain intact. Electricity, water, and sewage systems have also suffered serious damage.

	

	Some families whose homes were located in the inner neighbourhoods have returned and are continuing their lives amid the ruins. However, the majority of the population still lives in different cities.

	ABOUT PALMYRA

	The ancient city of Palmyra, also known as Tedmur, is considered one of the most important archaeological sites not only in Syria but in all of human history. It is located in central Syria, approximately 215 kilometres from Homs. An ancient desert city, Palmyra has been a crossroads of trade and culture between East and West throughout history.

	

	The city contains numerous monuments, tower tombs, statues, columns and temples. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. DAESH took control of Palmyra in May 2015. They caused significant damage to the historical remains here with sledgehammers and explosives. They executed archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad and many soldiers of the Assad regime in the amphitheatre.

	Palmyra is also known as the city of Queen Zenobia. Queen Zenobia rebelled against Rome in the 3rd century AD and ruled over a large region. Palmyra experienced its "golden age" during Zenobia's reign.

	Palmyra later returned to Roman control. Some sources state that Zenobia died after being taken prisoner. However, there is no definitive information about either her birth or her death.

	Tomorrow: Festival without a red carpet

	MA / Azad Altay