Living in Dubai offers me opportunities to engage with people from different nationalities and cultures. Growing up in India, I could never have imagined how my life and outlook would change as soon as I was exposed to people, places and culture. Over the last fifteen years I have met astonishing people with incredible stories, and just recently I was able to add one more such, to my list.
A few days ago, I sat at a roadside café with a friend and his colleague from Syria to enjoy one of the last few cool evenings before the summer sets in. During our conversation, the Syrian gentleman narrated his harrowing escape from the war-torn country four years prior and I was struck by the urgency with which he spoke about the importance of preserving Syria’s cultural heritage amidst the ongoing turmoil. The gentleman revealed that the Syrian government now requires him to pay a significant sum of money before he can re-enter to Syria and reunite with his loved ones and that he was desperate to return home and revel in life as he knew it. With a background in literature studies and after having worked as a translator in the UN, he was particularly struck by the devastation on education and culture.
As we delved deeper into the topic of Syria’s cultural heritage, I learned that the country has five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient city of Aleppo. Sadly, the ongoing war has inflicted substantial damage on these sites, and the Syrian government and opposition forces have been accused of looting and destroying ancient sites, such as the Roman ruins of Palmyra. The gentleman’s concern for the loss of Syria’s cultural heritage was palpable. He expressed that the country’s cultural heritage is not only a symbol of its identity and history but is also an essential part of humanity’s shared heritage. “It’s heartbreaking to see it destroyed,” he added.
The situation in Syria reminded me of a similar discussion I had with an Iraqi colleague who spoke of the importance of preserving Iraq’s cultural heritage despite the challenges and political turmoil the country has faced. The National Museum of Iraq, for instance, was looted during the Iraq War, and many precious artifacts were lost. Today there are efforts being made to revive the culture and intelligencia and take back from the years what it has robbed from the people.
According to UNESCO, the destruction of cultural heritage is a war crime. In essence, it represents an attack on humanity as a whole and the preservation of cultural heritage is critical, especially in times of conflict. It reminds us of our shared history and helps us appreciate diverse cultures and traditions.
As I thought about my conversations with the Syrian gentleman and my Iraqi colleague, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness for the countless individuals whose lives have been uprooted by conflict and war. However, I also felt inspired by the resilience and determination of those who continue to fight for the preservation of their cultural heritage.
The conversations reminded me of the importance of empathy and understanding towards those who have experienced loss and trauma. It’s crucial to remember and highlight the human aspect of war and the devastating impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities.
These conversations were powerful reminders of the human toll of war and the need for greater action to preserve cultural heritage. By working together, we can raise awareness, support initiatives, and advocate for the protection of our shared cultural heritage. We must strive to create a more peaceful and just world where cultural diversity is valued, respected, and protected.
Frankly Speaking - Sydney Atkins 