International Edition

Register
Sign in

International Edition

Podcasts Newsletters Follow us Alerts App Video

Ramadan Weekend

Road to Net Zero

Music & On-stage

Fashion & Beauty

Road to Net Zero

Music & On-stage

Fashion & Beauty

Will the ancient network of caves lure the tourists once more?

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

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

Ancient statues are carved into the rock

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

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

Ancient statues provide a reminder of the area's rich history

Roman figures are carved into the mountainsides surrounding the village

Children play in a clearing in front of the ruins

Residents sought shelter in the caves during bombing in the war

There are more than 350 Roman wells in Baftamoun

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'

Relative peace has now settled upon Baftamoun

Will the ancient network of caves lure the tourists once more?

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

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

Ancient statues are carved into the rock

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

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

Ancient statues provide a reminder of the area's rich history

Roman figures are carved into the mountainsides surrounding the village

Children play in a clearing in front of the ruins

Residents sought shelter in the caves during bombing in the war

There are more than 350 Roman wells in Baftamoun

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'

Relative peace has now settled upon Baftamoun

Will the ancient network of caves lure the tourists once more?

Syria's village of Baftamoun - in pictures

More Galleries

Christians carry candles outside a church during an Orthodox Easter midnight service in Saint Petersburg, Russia. AP Photo

Best photos of April 20: Easter service in Russia to traditional Imblig Dhem dance in Indonesia

The victorious Dubai Hurricanes team after beating Bahrain in the West Asia Super Rugby final at The Sevens, Dubai. All pictures by Ruel Pableo for The National

Rugby Dubai Hurricanes v Bahrain - in pictures

LatestMost ReadTop Videos

My Dubai Salary: ‘I earn about Dh35,000 a month running a food trading company’

Today's cartoonShadi's take on attempts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza

What famed explorer Ibn Battuta found in 14th century Sharjah

Israel-Gaza warIsrael to contest genocide accusation in The Hague

Paramedics wheel an injured tourist into a hospital in Anantnag following the attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir. AP

Dozens killed as gunmen attack tourists in Indian Kashmir

A shark swims in Mediterranean Sea as Israeli police are looking the area for a swimmer who they fear was attacked by a shark on Monday, near the Israeli city of Hadera, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo / Ariel Schalit)

Swimmer missing after Israel shark attack

Esha Elghorour

Libya’s first female coach dreams of women’s football return

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88

Pope Francis dies aged 88

Road to Net Zero

Music & On-stage

Fashion & Beauty

Living in the UAE

Podcasts Newsletters Alerts Read E-Paper Print Subscriptions Video App

About Us Contact Us Work With Us Advertise With Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Sitemap Archive The National Awards Registration FAQs

search by queryly Advanced Search close