Syria's village of Baftamoun - in pictures

  • 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?