PanOrient News | Tokyo conference looks at future of Syrian historical research

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Tokyo conference looks at future of Syrian historical research

Sunday, November 30, 2025

PanOrient News
Khaldon Azhari

TOKYO: A hybrid conference (in-person and online) titled “Considering Syria's History and Cultural Heritage” is taking place at the University of Tsukuba’s Tokyo Campus to discuss the future of Syrian historical research and the preservation and utilization of its cultural heritage.

In his opening remarks, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Syrian Embassy, Mohamed Najib Elji, conveyed his sincere gratitude to the University of Tsukuba for their gracious organization of the conference dedicated to Syria’s cultural heritage. He also acknowledged their continued support and commendable training of Syrian personnel engaged in the field of archaeology.

The Syrian Chargé d'Affaires also welcomed Professor Anas Zeidan, Director of Antiquities and Museums in Syria, and his deputy Lina Qatifan, and expressed appreciation for the participation of a significant number of Japanese archaeologists who have made important contributions to excavation, restoration, and research in Syria.

He further noted the importance of Syrian Japanese cooperation in the field of archaeology, which dates back more than 50 years and has contributed to uncovering and studying important historical periods of human civilization in Syria.

"This cooperation has taken on a governmental character through the Japanese government and JICA, as well as academic cooperation with several universities, museums, and research centers,” he said. “The conference represents an important opportunity to learn about the current situation and future challenges in light of the widespread destruction of several archaeological sites, illegal excavations, theft of artifacts, and their illicit trade."

He emphasized the importance of exploring and expanding future cooperation opportunities, including capacity building and research. He concluded by saying, "Japan's interest in the cultures and civilizations of the world is well-known, as evidenced by its contribution to the construction of the new Egyptian Museum. Perhaps we should consider doing the same in Syria, which is home to amazing civilizations, and building a new museum in cooperation with Japan that would be capable of narrating human history comprehensively."

The conference reflects on Syria’s long history, including the global spread of Homo sapiens, the beginning of agriculture, the formation of cities, the expansion of empires and the eastward expansion of Rome and Byzantium.

During the country’s long civil war that began in 2011, many archaeological sites and museums that bear witness to this history were damaged. However, with the end of the conflict in2024, the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums has been working to preserve and utilize Syria's history and cultural heritage.

Among the topics being discussed are: UNESCO’s World Heritage sites in Syria and pathways to delisting from the danger list; a challenge to preserve the Ain Dara Temple from outside Syria; Tell Seker al-Aheimar, Hassake – unique archaeological records for the Neolithic of Syria; and Tell el-Kerkh, a neolithic mega-site in Idlib Province.