new memorandum of understanding between the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) and (EPDC) with (ALIPH)

The Syrian cultural scene witnessed the launch of the first activities of the “ALIPH Program for the Safeguarding of Syrian Heritage 2026-2027,” announced by the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage (ALIPH). This took place through the signing of a new memorandum of understanding between the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) and the St. Ephrem Patriarchal Development Committee (EPDC). The memorandum is titled “Restoration and Rehabilitation of the Guesthouse, the Arab Castle Bridge, and Afqa Spring in Palmyra”.

This memorandum represents an additional chapter in the series of successful collaboration between the two parties, which began five years ago and has achieved significant successes. These efforts are expected to soon result in the removal of the sites of “Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din” from the List of World Heritage in Danger.

This activity complements a previous endeavor undertaken by the Directorate in collaboration with the Russian Academy of Sciences, which resulted in a pioneering scientific researching project to restore the Monumental Arch (Arc de Triumph), earning the respect of all relevant international oversight bodies. Best wishes for further prosperity and success for this tripartite partnership between the Directorate, the Alliance, and the Commission, driven by their sincere and noble endeavor to preserve this important cultural heritage for all the peoples of the world.