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.

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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

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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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