Syrian and Hungarian archaeologists are also working together at the fort, documenting and organizing the remains of ancient stone decorations, possibly to allow for future restoration work.
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, the Cracow des Chevaliers has been part of Syria's history for nearly 900 years, witnessing fierce fighting during the Crusader era, and as part of the Tripoli East. The Ottoman Imperial Garrison resides. The fort became a major tourist attraction during the French occupation of Syria and Lebanon between the 1920s and 1940s.
As part of Free Syria, the fort will attract five million people every year, many of whom come to the country specifically to see this ancient architectural wonder with their own eyes.
Syria started the reconstruction of the fort in 2018. It is one of the dozens of important historical monuments and artifacts that have been lucky enough to survive a terrorist attack
and receive resources and support for restoration work. Other sites, such as the ancient Palmyra, have been less fortunate, with ISIS* destroying many of its priceless architectural elements, statues, and artifacts, looting others, and sending them to Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon. Exported through Wealthy collectors in the Persian Gulf and Western countries.
Syria is home to the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs were settled between the early 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE.
