Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), accompanied by Mr. Mohammed Yassin Saleh, Syrian Minister of Culture, paid a visit to several archaeological and heritage sites in Damascus. The visit included the Umayyad Mosque, the National Museum, and Al Azem Palace. This was within the framework of his official visit to the Syrian Arab Republic at the head of a high-level delegation from the Organization, reaffirming support for the Syrian state in its new phase.

During his visit to the Umayyad Mosque on Monday, 18 August 2025, Dr. AlMalik listened to detailed explanations about the long history of this grand mosque and its architectural design, which is considered one of the landmarks of Islamic architecture, particularly the unique Umayyad style.

At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. AlMalik renewed the Organization’s readiness to participate in the rehabilitation of the Umayyad Mosque, in recognition of its historical standing in the Islamic world. He also expressed his great admiration for the architectural design of the mosque, which has remained a beacon of knowledge, spirituality, and culture throughout Islamic history.

Dr. AlMalik and the accompanying delegation also toured the halls of the National Museum of Damascus, established in 1919, which is considered one of Syria’s most prominent and oldest cultural institutions. The museum houses a distinguished collection reflecting the richness and diversity of Syrian heritage.

The tour also included the historic Al Azem Palace in Old Damascus, where the Syrian Minister of Culture provided explanations to the ICESCO delegation, highlighting the archaeological importance of the palace and its exhibits documenting traditional Damascene and Syrian life in its social, economic, and artistic aspects.

At the end of the tour, Dr. AlMalik expressed ICESCO’s keenness to contribute to the preservation and valorization of heritage sites in Syria and to provide support to the relevant national authorities in this regard.