The systematic archiving of photos, plans, maps and reports is of fundamental importance for the documentation of Syrian cultural and natural treasures. The research carried out since the 20th century by the Museum für Islamische Kunst in Berlin, the German Archeological Institute (DAI), and by other researchers has yielded copious materials in relation to numerous sites of significance for archaeology in Syria and the history of Syria’s architecture. These materials are digitized by the Syrian Heritage Archive Project and, along with other born digital materials, integrated into an image database. The digital archive provides an information base enabling the reconstruction of destroyed monuments and the preservation of Syrian cultural heritage. It thus creates values for the future.

Since the start of the project in 2013, the archive has received more than 300,000 items, primarily photographs from more than 80 collectors from around the world. Their georeferencing - the exact geographic location of the landscapes, places, or buildings depicted in the digitized images - plays a decisive role in the archiving process. In the course of the project, more than 4000 new locations were added to the virtual map of Syria Gazetteer of the DAI and linked to the items of our database. More than 150,000 digitized items along with their metadata are available without registration. These data shed light on almost all areas of Syria's architectural history and archaeology, as well as its geography, culture, and, last but not least, contemporary history. Since 2017, there is a special focus on Aleppo, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1986. This focus has given rise to several innovative projects.

The authors of the SHAP collections include eminent researchers such as Eugen Wirth (†), Michael Meinecke (†), Jean-Claude David, Stefan Weber, Julia Gonnella, Christine Delpal, and Stefan Heidemann, as well as Syrian architects and well-known photographers such as Marwan Musalmani (†) and director Sabah Qabbani (†). A selection from Wolf-Dieter Lemke's collection of historical postcards is also among the digital treasures.

The work of SHAP goes beyond mere archiving. On our website syrian-heritage.org we present extraordinary places, stories, and memories. On our Facebook page Narratives of Syrian Heritage" we regularly share visual and oral stories that keep Syria's diverse cultural life alive.

The Syrian Heritage Archive Project belongs to the Archeological Heritage Network. The Syrian Heritage Archive Project has given rise, among other things, to the project Multaka – Treffpunkt Museum.

Projectleader: Dr. Anne Mollenhauer
Scientific Assistants: Dr. Hiba Bizreh, Dima Dayoub, Alaa Haddad, Issam Hajjar, Dr. Karin Pütt
Cooperationpartners: Museum für Islamische Kunst in Berlin, Deutsches Archäologisches Institut
Responsible body: Freunde des Museums für Islamische Kunst im Pergamonmuseum e.V.
Sponsor: Auswärtiges Amt, Gerda Henkel Stiftung
Operating since: November 2013