Afamia Added to Islamic Heritage List

Syria’s ancient site of Afamia is one of nine new Syrian landmarks added to ICESCO Islamic World Heritage Lists.

“Afamia emerged as one of the most important cities renowned for mosaic art,” explained Syrian researcher Mustafa Raadoun. “The Afamia school of architecture was present across almost the entire Mediterranean basin, even in Tunisia and other places.”

“Many mosaic panels were produced in Afamia and then transported to other locations. Today, you can find that many churches and buildings were constructed with mosaic floors,” he went on.

Ancient Legacy of Afamia

Footage on Monday shows the archaeological site, over 2,300 years old, with marble columns stretching into the distance and ancient inscriptions carved on them. It was fortified and expanded in 300 BC by one of Alexander the Great’s general’s Seleucus I Nicator, who named it after his wife, the Persian princess Apama.