The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched an «initial investigation» into the damage to historical heritage in Turkey and Syria following Monday’s earthquakes and has offered to «stabilize» these enclaves to avoid possible damage or even total destruction.
The first objective is to establish a «precise inventory of the damage», after the strong tremors have caused damage in areas such as the citadel of Aleppo in northern Syria. In fact, UNESCO is «particularly concerned» about this area, which was already on the list of heritage in danger due to the war that has engulfed the country since 2011.
«The west tower of the old city has collapsed and several buildings in the souks have been damaged,» the organization explains in a statement.
UNESCO has also deplored the collapse of several buildings in the fortress of Diyarbakir and the gardens of Hevsel, located in southeastern Turkey, while fearing damage to the archaeological monument of Göbekli Tepe, Mount Nemrut and the enclave of Arslantepe.
«Our organization will provide assistance within its mandate,» pledged UNESCO director Audrey Azoulay, who expressed her condolences for the thousands of victims of the tragedy.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
