ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that cultural heritage has a critical role in enhancing the Syrian identity and helping to steer Syria on a path towards post-conflict stabilization and reconciliation. Syria is a rich and diverse country that incorporates great social and ethnic variety. Ethnic, social and cultural diversity in itself is not the problem. The real challenge is when there is no correspondence between the composition of an imposed social and political structure and the reality on the ground. It is possible to attribute damage to Syria's cultural heritage to three main causes: opportunistic looting, damage due to military operations, and deliberate destruction. Opportunistic looting, also referred to as subsistence looting, is a primary cause of damage to Syria's cultural heritage. Local heritage professionals and activists are also at the forefront in promoting awareness about the importance of protecting cultural heritage.
