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Syria World Heritage Sites

 

Syria World Heritage Sites


Context: Efforts are underway to restore Syria's war-damaged heritage sites, including Palmyra and Crac des Chevaliers, to revitalize tourism and the economy.

Palmyra:

  • Location: Syrian Desert, Homs Governorate.
  • Significance: UNESCO World Heritage Site known for Roman ruins, temples, and colonnaded streets.
  • Historical Role: A Silk Road hub and capital of the Palmyrene Empire under Queen Zenobia.

Crac des Chevaliers:

  • Location: Homs Governorate, near Al-Husn.
  • Importance: A well-preserved Crusader castle from the 12th century, used by the Knights Hospitaller during the Crusades to control key trade routes.

MCQs for UPSC CSE:

  1. Which of the following sites is known as the capital of the Palmyrene Empire under Queen Zenobia?
    a) Damascus
    b) Palmyra
    c) Aleppo
    d) Homs
    Answer: b) Palmyra

  2. Crac des Chevaliers was built primarily during which century?
    a) 10th century
    b) 11th century
    c) 12th century
    d) 13th century
    Answer: c) 12th century

  3. Which of the following played a critical role in controlling trade routes during the Crusades?
    a) Palmyra
    b) Crac des Chevaliers
    c) Petra
    d) Baalbek
    Answer: b) Crac des Chevaliers

  4. Palmyra is located in which Syrian governorate?
    a) Hama
    b) Idlib
    c) Homs
    d) Deir ez-Zor
    Answer: c) Homs

  5. Which organization designates sites as World Heritage Sites?
    a) WHO
    b) UNESCO
    c) WTO
    d) IMF
    Answer: b) UNESCO

Mains Question for UPSC CSE:

Discuss the significance of heritage site restoration efforts in post-conflict regions like Syria. How can these efforts aid in economic revitalization and cultural preservation?

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