The ancient Roman ruins of Baftamoun in the countryside of Idlib, north-western Syria. All photos: Moawia Atrash for The National
The ancient Roman ruins of Baftamoun in the countryside of Idlib, north-western Syria. All photos: Moawia Atrash for The National
The village is rich in Roman wells, ancient cemeteries and a network of caves
The village is rich in Roman wells, ancient cemeteries and a network of caves
Baftamoun is a remote village that was bombed in Syria’s civil war
Baftamoun is a remote village that was bombed in Syria’s civil war
The village was a destination for tourists, especially from France, before the conflict
The village was a destination for tourists, especially from France, before the conflict
Ancient statues are carved into the rock
Ancient statues are carved into the rock
Hassan Al Essa points out ancient writings on the wall of the cave
Hassan Al Essa points out ancient writings on the wall of the cave
Majed Abdel Qader takes a selfie at the entrance to one of the ancient caves
Majed Abdel Qader takes a selfie at the entrance to one of the ancient caves
There are about 25 ancient caves in Baftamoun
There are about 25 ancient caves in Baftamoun
An ancient water cistern in the mountains. As well as being bombed, Baftamoun, once a magnet for tourism, has fallen on hard times
An ancient water cistern in the mountains. As well as being bombed, Baftamoun, once a magnet for tourism, has fallen on hard times
Ancient statues provide a reminder of the area's rich history
Ancient statues provide a reminder of the area's rich history
Roman figures are carved into the mountainsides surrounding the village
Roman figures are carved into the mountainsides surrounding the village
Children play in a clearing in front of the ruins
Children play in a clearing in front of the ruins
Residents sought shelter in the caves during bombing in the war
Residents sought shelter in the caves during bombing in the war
There are more than 350 Roman wells in Baftamoun
There are more than 350 Roman wells in Baftamoun
Children regularly visit the area to play but residents hope tourists will start coming back
Children regularly visit the area to play but residents hope tourists will start coming back
Ahmed Hilal tells the National: 'We were in the village hiding inside these caves for several years during the bombing'
Ahmed Hilal tells the National: 'We were in the village hiding inside these caves for several years during the bombing'
Relative peace has now settled upon Baftamoun
Relative peace has now settled upon Baftamoun
Will the ancient network of caves lure the tourists once more?
Will the ancient network of caves lure the tourists once more?

MENA

Photos show the Roman ruins of Baftamoun and caves that served as bomb shelters

It was a popular tourist destination before the war

The National

July 12, 2023

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Updated: July 12, 2023, 7:49 AM`
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