Damascus Governorate Relocates Saladin Statue for Restoration
The Damascus Governorate, in collaboration with the “Hand” organization, has initiated the process of relocating the monument of the commander Saladin al-Ayyubi from its current site in front of the Damascus Citadel. This measure is part of a comprehensive project to rehabilitate the area surrounding the historic citadel, with the goal of improving the service, aesthetic, and urban environment of the site, according to technical reports issued by the Damascus Antiquities Department.
The governorate confirmed through its official channels that the primary objective of the relocation is to perform necessary maintenance and restoration to address damage the monument has sustained. These efforts are intended to preserve the statue’s artistic, symbolic, and historical value. The project includes a detailed engineering and planning study to identify a suitable location for the statue’s re-display, ensuring it is accessible to visitors from various vantage points and in harmony with the long-standing architectural and heritage character of Damascus.
The Saladin monument, which was designed in 1993 to mark the 800th anniversary of his death, is a prominent landmark depicting the commander on horseback accompanied by two soldiers. Situated before the Damascus Citadel—one of the city’s most significant historical sites—it is an essential element of the old city’s fabric. The current maintenance work is considered particularly significant in the context of protecting artistic and commemorative pieces situated near archaeological sites, ensuring their continued visual and cultural presence.
The “Hand” organization, a humanitarian and development group operating in Syria and Lebanon, is contributing to these efforts in coordination with government and local authorities. The organization supports projects related to heritage protection and the rehabilitation of historical sites in Old Damascus. These initiatives are part of broader efforts to enhance the capacities of local communities and preserve the architectural and heritage identity of the city, which reflects Syria’s historical legacy.
These works form part of a broader vision by the Damascus Governorate to restore commemorative and urban landmarks. The project adheres to professional standards for heritage protection, aiming to integrate these elements into the city’s evolving urban landscape. This ensures that historical symbols are preserved for future generations, maintaining their permanence in the heart of the Syrian capital.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
