The British section of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA) paid homage to the late Khaled al-Asaad, the former head of antiquities in Palmyra, killed by the Daesh aka ISIL/ISIS terrorist franchise which is holding the territory in and around the ancient archaeological site.
An AICA statement published 21 August 2015 said, “AICA UK joins with archaeologists, art historians and art specialists internationally in decrying the brutal murder of scholar and pioneer Khaled al-Asaad, former head of antiquities in Palmyra, Syria, pre- eminent cultural site of the ancient world. AICA condemns all such acts of violence, killing and destruction and those who seek to benefit from the looting of cultural artefacts and works of art.
“News reports make it clear that al-Asaad’s murder was consequent upon his unshakeable commitment to the preservation of the world’s cultural heritage.
“AICA’s membership salutes his extraordinary courage, commemorates his sustained, outstanding and unique contribution to archaeological scholarship, and sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues around the world,” the AICA statement concluded.
Related
The Middle East in Europe | German homage to Khaled as-Saad [in relation to the German Archaeological Institute]
The Guardian | Beheaded Syrian scholar refused to lead Isis to hidden Palmyra antiquities
