Palmyra Castle: Medieval Overlooking Monument in Homs Province, Syria

Palmyra Castle is a medieval castle overlooking a monument in Palmyra, Homs province, Syria. This castle is also known as Fakhr-al-Din al-Ma’ani Castle or Tadmur Castle. The castle boasted strong, towering walls and a moat with a single, drawbridge-accessible entrance, making it a highly secure fortress.

The massive remains of a vast metropolis that was one of the most significant cultural hubs of antiquity can be found at the Palmyra archeological site. At the nexus of multiple civilizations, Palmyra’s art and architecture from the first to the second century CE combined Graeco-Roman methods with regional customs and Persian influences.

The castle’s name honors Druze emir Fakhr-al-Din II, who expanded Druze territory to the Palmyra region in the 16th century. The Mamluks are assumed to have built the castle in the 13th century, on a high hill overlooking the historic town of Palmyra.

In 1980, the location of the castle and Palmyra was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in honor of the imposing remnants of a vast metropolis that was among the most significant ancient cultural hubs. Syria declared the location a national monument, and a buffer zone was created in 2007. The stronghold of Palmyra Castle was situated on a raised bedrock and featured a moat surrounding it. There was just one drawbridge that led to the castle, guaranteeing the security of the stronghold.

Because of the Syrian Civil War, the historic site was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger in 2013. During the Palmyra offensive in May 2015, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant took control of the castle. In March 2016, Syrian government forces launched another offensive to retake it. ISIS terrorists on the run destroyed a large portion of the castle, including the stairway that led to the entrance.

The fundamental construction of Palmyra Castle is intact, and according to Syrian Director of Antiquities Maamoun Abdelkarim, the damage may be repaired and the castle will be restored. ISIL took control of the fortress once more in December 2016. However, during an attack on March 1, 2017, the Syrian Army retook it.

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