10 August 2026. The Damascus Citadel is hosting 23 Syrian archaeological artifacts recently returned from France as part of an exhibition held during the “Syria Summer for Families 2026” Festival. The exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to learn about Syrian heritage with pieces dating from prehistoric times to the Ottoman era and reflecting the diversity of Syrian civilization.Read more at: SANA
7 August 2026. The activities of the Syria Summer Family Festival 2026 opened at the Damascus Citadel as part of the summer program organized by the Ministry of Culture, with official and public participation. The opening follows the festival’s launch in Idlib on July 30, before moving to Latakia, where events began at al-Orouba Park on August 4. The festival will continue in other governorates in succession, with the aim of making cultural activities accessible to families in various areas.Read more at: SANA
2 August 2026. The Damascus International Festival of Arabic Poetry kicked off on Sunday at the Damascus Opera House, bringing together 55 poets, writers and lecturers from 16 Arab countries. The festival, that runs from Aug. 2 to Aug. 7, is a cultural event celebrating Arabic poetry, bringing together a distinguished group of poets, writers and intellectuals.Read more at: SANA
24 July 2026. Authorities in Aleppo are moving ahead with plans to restore the city’s UNESCO-listed Old City, aiming to preserve its historic character, revive centuries-old markets and encourage residents to return as part of broader efforts to support economic recovery, a local official said on Thursday. Restoration work is currently underway on five historic markets and several landmark buildings damaged during years of war. Read more at: SANA
18 July 2026. The file of recovering Syrian antiquities is witnessing growing momentum, with dozens of artifacts being repatriated from both inside and outside the country. This trajectory combines citizen-led initiatives, official institutional efforts, and diplomatic action in the post-liberation era, aiming to protect the national heritage and recover cultural properties that were lost or smuggled during the years of war. Read more at: SANA
17 July 2026. The Krak des Chevaliers, one of Syria’s best-known medieval landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is re-emerging as a major tourist destination following restoration work after damage sustained during the war. Perched on a hill 750 meters above sea level in the western countryside of Homs, the fortress dates back nearly nine centuries and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. Watch video at: SANA
13 July 2026. Before the morning light is complete above the rooftops of Darayya (Rural Damascus, southwestern Syria), dozens of pigeons have already reached the edges of walls and the roof of the loft before their owner. “I like to go up in the morning and sit beside them for two hours, drink a cup of coffee, send them up for a round or two, then go to my friend. We drink a glass of tea and sit together,” he told Enab Baladi. Read more at: ENAB BALADI
13 July 2026. Maktab Anbar, one of Damascus’ most prominent historic landmarks located in the heart of Damascus Old City, and a leading example of 19th-century Damascene architecture, has been added to the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Heritage List, marking a renewed international recognition of Syria’s cultural heritage. Read more at: SANA
7 July 2026. Western classical music and traditional Arabic musical heritage came together at the Damascus Opera House on Monday during “Syria: The First Symphony,” a concert featuring Syrian pianist and composer Gaswan Zerikly alongside the Arab Music Ensemble for Heritage Revival. Speaking to SANA, Zerikly said the title reflects Syria’s historical significance as the birthplace of the world’s earliest known musical notation, discovered in the ancient city of Ugarit. Read more at: SANA
2 July 2026. A new soon-to-be-released documentary follows BBC journalist Janay Boulos and Syrian photojournalist Abd Alkader Habak, tracing their long-distance relationship through war, shared footage, personal memories and eventual reunion, revealing humanity and love amid devastation. Read more at: THE GUARDIAN.COM/FILM Watch film trailer at: BIRDS OF WAR
2 July 2026. Syria’s first private folk heritage museum opened in Jayroud, showcasing Qalamoun’s social life and traditions. Officials and researchers say it strengthens cultural preservation, documents community history, and highlights privatesector support for heritage protection. Read more at: SANA
2 July 2026. ICESCO added Daraa’s AlOmari Mosque to its heritage lists, recognizing its early Islamic architecture and deep historical layers. Officials say the designation will expand international cooperation, technical support and future restoration efforts. Read more at: SANA
