The latest site ISIL fighters have destroyed is the ancient temple of Baal Shamin in the Syrian city of Palmyra. The armed group seized Palmyra from government forces in May, fueling fears that it might destroy its priceless heritage.
That was not the first time the group targeted a cultural site. Back in February, its fighters destroyed the Mosul museum after they seized the Iraqi city last year.
But why is ISIL targeting these historical sites? And to what extent is it also profiting from them?
Presenter: Laura Kyle
Guests:
Amr Al Azm – Associate Professor at Shawnee State University who specialises in Antiquities and Archaeological Research.
Marina Lostal – Lecturer in Law at The Hague University. She’s also written a thesis titled ‘International Cultural Heritage Law in Armed Conflict.’
Arthur Brand – Art Investigator and Co-owner of Artiaz, an Art and Antiquities Research and Consultancy firm.
