• 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
SyriaPhotography