Palmyra: A City Reclaiming Its Future After ISIS Rule

The ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and once a thriving tourist destination, is slowly rebuilding after suffering extensive damage and occupation by the Islamic State (ISIS) between 2015 and 2017. While scars of the conflict remain, residents are returning, and a fragile hope for the future is taking root.

The Fall of Palmyra to ISIS in 2015

In May 2015, ISIS seized control of Palmyra, a strategically important city in the Tadmur District of Eastern Homs Governorate, Syria. The offensive resulted in a major victory for ISIS, increasing their control over Syrian territory to approximately 50% [1]. Prior to the takeover, Palmyra was a bustling city with a population of around 100,000, welcoming tourists eager to explore its remarkably preserved Roman ruins.

The capture of Palmyra was swift, with Syrian forces withdrawing under a seven-day siege [2]. The city’s ancient amphitheater, a symbol of its rich history, was immediately repurposed as a site for public executions, demonstrating ISIS’s brutal ideology and use of propaganda.

Brutal Rule and Cultural Destruction

During their occupation, ISIS inflicted significant casualties. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 217 deaths around Palmyra in the first nine days of control, including 67 civilians, 14 of whom were children [1]. Videos of these executions, staged in the ancient amphitheater before hundreds of spectators, were widely disseminated as ISIS propaganda.

ISIS viewed Palmyra’s historical monuments as symbols of idolatry and targeted them for destruction. Khaled al-Asaad, a renowned Syrian historian who had dedicated over 40 years to preserving Palmyra’s cultural heritage and played a key role in its UNESCO World Heritage designation, was brutally beheaded in August 2015 after refusing to reveal the location of hidden Roman-era statues [2]. His body was displayed publicly as a warning.

In subsequent offensives, ISIS further damaged the city. In March 2016, during a brief recapture by Syrian and Russian forces, ISIS blew up the amphitheater and the Temple of Baal before being driven out again in December of the same year [1]. They were finally expelled in March 2017.

Rebuilding and Return

Following ISIS’s defeat, residents began to return to Palmyra, but found a city devastated by war. All 30 of the city’s hotels were destroyed, and basic infrastructure like clean water and sanitation were severely lacking.

Despite the challenges, a sense of hope prevails. Khaldoun, a local resident who relies on tourism for his livelihood, has set up a tent near the ruins to provide food and lodging for returning visitors. He expresses optimism for the future, stating that “IS and the Assad regime are gone. The future will be much better than before, for all Syrians.” [2]

Ongoing Threats and the Future

Although ISIS no longer controls cities, the group remains a threat. The UN estimates that around 3,000 ISIS fighters are still active in Syria and Iraq [1]. Recent attacks have targeted border crossings and Syrian government forces, and ISIS has declared war against Syria’s current president, Ahmed Al Sharaa.

Despite these ongoing security concerns, the slow but steady return of people to Palmyra signifies a commitment to rebuilding and reclaiming the city’s future. The historic ruins, a testament to Syria’s rich cultural heritage, remain a powerful symbol of resilience and hope.