How Syrian Archaeologists Risked Lives to Save 30,000 Ancient Treasures From ISIS

A museum in danger

Deir ez-Zor lies on the Euphrates River near Iraq’s border. Its province was a contested battleground during the conflict, in part because it holds some of Syria’s major oil and gas fields.

Before the civil war began in 2011, Syria had 35 archaeological museums. Deir ez-Zor’s museum was among the most valuable, with collections linked to Mesopotamian sites including Halaf, Dura-Europos and Mari. As ISIS expanded in 2014, the threat to cultural collections grew.

Decisions under fire

He said that waiting for certainty can increase danger during armed conflict. The Deir ez-Zor evacuation formed part of a broader effort: during his 2012–2017 tenure, about 300,000 museum artifacts were rescued and moved to secure locations within Syria.

What the figures cannot show

The study does not provide a precise count of artifacts looted during the nearly decade-and-a-half civil war. It also leaves unspecified how many of Syria’s 35 museums avoided destruction or kept their collections intact.

Abdulkarim describes heritage protection as a responsibility that reaches beyond the countries where collections are held. He presents the Deir ez-Zor operation as relevant to professionals facing conflict and civil unrest elsewhere, including in Iraq, Libya, Sudan and Yemen.

Preparation for future crises

The study identifies skilled staff, capable institutions, detailed inventories and documentation, and trusted colleagues on the ground as important safeguards. These can help organizations adapt when normal procedures become impractical.

Abdulkarim argues that risk management should be part of routine museum and heritage work, rather than something introduced only after an emergency starts. His account frames rescue as an effort involving judgment, institutional strength, trust and rapid adaptation.