France Returns 23 Ancient Artifacts to Syria Amid Renewed Cultural Ties
France has returned 23 ancient artifacts to Syria that were loaned over a decade ago for an exhibition at the Arab World Institute in Paris. The items were not returned earlier due to the Syrian civil war and the severed diplomatic relations during Bashar al-Assad's regime. According to the Syrian Foreign Ministry, the artifacts were transported to Damascus aboard the French presidential plane following a decision made during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria. The artifacts belong to museums in Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia, and Palmyra and were located and repatriated through cooperation between the two countries.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry described this as the first step in a national campaign to recover Syrian antiquities worldwide, noting that France is the first country to cooperate with this initiative. The move reflects a warming of relations after years of estrangement. The ministry expressed deep appreciation to French authorities for their cooperation and assistance in returning these valuable items to their homeland.
There is some discrepancy regarding the loan date; the Syrian Foreign Ministry states 2010, while the Syrian Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums says the loan occurred in 2011 for a permanent exhibition at the Arab World Institute showcasing Arab cultures. The collection includes rare pieces dating from prehistoric times to the Islamic period. The return was initially planned for 2014 but was delayed due to the outbreak of the civil war. The previous Syrian regime failed to retrieve the artifacts, and French authorities hesitated to return them amid ongoing conflict and concerns over security and preservation conditions in Syria.
The Directorate-General emphasized that the artifacts are returning following Syria's liberation and restoration of security and stability. President Macron's decision to return them during his visit underscores Syria's deep cultural and civilizational heritage and the importance of renewing cultural relations interrupted for 15 years. The Directorate-General called on countries, international organizations, and local communities to assist in locating and returning other Syrian antiquities displaced over the years, stating, "Treasures always find their way home," and that Syria is reopening its arms to its glorious past.
