Khaled al-Asaad

Khaled al-Asaad, born in 1932, was a distinguished Syrian archaeologist, professor, historian, and curator, renowned for his dedication to the preservation of cultural heritage.

For over forty years, he served as the head of antiquities in Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where he played a pivotal role in safeguarding the ancient city's invaluable artifacts and historical significance.

Tragically, al-Asaad's life was cut short when he was publicly beheaded by the Islamic State on 18 August 2015, at the age of eighty-three, a brutal act that underscored the peril faced by cultural heritage professionals in conflict zones.

His legacy endures through his contributions to archaeology and his unwavering commitment to protecting the history of Palmyra, inspiring future generations to value and defend their cultural heritage.