Mrs. Asma al-Assad receives Honorary Doctorate in Archeology for the development of historical and archeological studies in Syria
Syria, Local, 10/21/2004

Syria's First Lady Mrs. Asma al-Assad yesterday received an honorary doctorate in archeology for the development of historical and archeological studies and the preservation of Syria's cultural and historical heritage, from the prestigious University of Rome "La Sapienza," a renowned seat of science.

The ceremony held for that purpose was attended by Prof. Guiseppe D'Ascenzo of University "La Sapienza " of Rome, Chancellor, Prof. Roberto Antonelli, dean of faculty of Humanities in Rome University; the university deans and professors, the Syrian minister of Information Mahdi Dakhlallah, the ministers of culture, higher education, tourism and expatriates and other officials concerned representing the Syrian and Italian sides.

The event which was held jointly by the Syrian Ministry of culture in cooperation with the University of Rome "La Sapienza" also witnessed the inauguration of the second phase of excavation works in the archeological Park of Ebla.

In her acceptance speech of the Doctorate, Mrs. al-Assad said: I stand here today in this cultural exchange, proud to accept this doctorate in archeology, Honoris Causa, not only on my own behalf, but on behalf of my country, and on behalf of the people who have inhabited this land from the earliest flowering of those essential human attributes: " culture," " society" and " civilization." I am proudly grateful for the dedication of the Italian and Syrian archeologists, who have worked at this site for forty years and have enabled Syria's contributions to advancements in archeology and its role in history to be fully recognized.

Fourth Thousand years ago. When human civilization was in its infancy, Ebla was one of the only a handful of urban centers that dotted the world, acting as an engine of economic growth and social development drawing people from the countryside. Today, it is a significant archeological site and a priceless part of Syrian heritage. In the near future, it is poised to become a rural community reinvigorated, economically and socially, by the presence of Ebla archeological park, a project that meets two important objectives: historical and archeological research and preservation, and rural regeneration.

In Syria today, the pressures of high population growth and accelerating urbanization are beginning to be felt. The divergence between the quality of urban and rural living is coming into sharper focus, with potentially damaging social and environmental consequences. We have a high proportion of young people whose needs in the area of education, social services and employment in the coming decades will pose a challenge. The development of our rural areas will play a vital role in meeting this challenge. This project will ensure that the historic importance of Ebla is preserved, and at the same time play an important role as a center for rural development and tourism. Projects like this illustrate how developing countries can conceive and implement effective and sustainable solutions that galvanize economic growth. I am grateful to the University of Rome " La Sapienza" for the role they have played in helping us in Syria realize one such solution, right here in Ebla.

It was on a visit to Rome two years ago that the plans for the Ebla archeological Park were made real in partnership with La Sapienza. It has been my privilege to work closely with this venerable university's Faculty of Human sciences in seeing through Phase 1 and 2. The camaraderie we have experienced is based on more than a shared project and shared objectives, but on what Ebla has exemplified to all of us; the importance of a collaboration of cultures, even as the tides of history appear to be sweeping in the opposite direction- towards a clash of culture.

Through the lens offered to us by findings at Ebla and elsewhere, we can see both the continuity of " culture," as well as the distinctiveness of " cultures." What we do with this knowledge is, of course, up to us. My own fervent hope is that we use it to foster mutual respect for what human societies have achieved over the millennia across the globe. Above all, that it leads to the understanding that there are many different paths to development and enlightenment.

Yes, the world is smaller place. Today, inter- cultural exchange spreads far and fast on the wings of technology. That means we -- as producers, as consumers, as countries, and as people -- are for more involved in what happens in other countries. Societies and cultures. The sustainable development that could be achieved by Ebla archeological Park is not merely a barrow economic goal, it is part and parcel of a process of mutual understanding that has been taking place across the world and over the centuries, wherever cultures meet.

As citizens of the emerging global community -- world city, if you will, with as many variations as can be found in any thriving metropolis -- we all have something to teach, and something to learn from one another.

It is a great honor for me to be awarded an honorary doctorate in archeology for the development of historical and archeological studies and the preservation of Syria's cultural and historical heritage, from the prestigious University of Rome " La Sapienza," a renowned seat of science, learning and humanity. I am particularly proud to receive this honor in Ebla and grateful to the distinguished professors who have traveled here especially to ward me this degree. I thank the University of Rome and hope that this occasion will be an important juncture in our joint efforts and mark a qualitative leap in Syrian- in Syrian- Italian relations.

" Today is the first time in the history of the University of Rome " La Sapienza" that we move out of our city to give a Doctorate " Honoris Causa.," said professor Guiseppe D' Ascenzo, Chancellor ( rector Magnificus) of the University " La Sapienza" of Rome after awarding Mrs. Asma al-Assad. He added: " Our tradition in fact imposes that the ceremony must be carried out inside the city of Rome, but we consider Ebla as part of our University and the first lady of Syria as the most important friend of " La Sapienza." So, we decided for the first time to change a 700 year-old tradition," he explained.

Highlighting the close cultural relations between Syria and Italy, he said that the University " La Sapienza" of Rome, mindful of the historical connections linking Rome to Damascus since the times of Trajan and Apollodorus, and proud of the brotherly relations between the scientific milieus " of our two towns," which had here at Ebla an extraordinary accomplishment, singled out in " your action," adding that so determined and far reaching in favor of the cultural heritage of this country, a contribution of great meaning to the cultural cooperation not only between Syria and Italy, but rather a signal of the need to strengthen the relations between the Arab world and the European Union.

Paolo Matthiae, dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences and professor of "archeology and history of art of the ancient near east" said the Syrian Arab Republic has since its foundation itself, a tradition of independence and objectivity which is unanimously acknowledged in the world. The generosity and liberality of the cultural authorities of Damascus are well known in the community of scholars for the opening and encouragement to archeological research in a territory which is, for its antiquities, among the richest in the world.

He added in a statement to Arabic News (ArabicNews.com) that he has been working in the wonderful archeological site of Ebla since 40 years. He indicated that Ebla is one of the most important discoveries of the second half of the 20th century, adding that the great success of Ebla discovery happened because of the extraordinary co-operation between the University of Rome and the Syrian Directorate of Antiquities and Museums. He said that the University of Rome appreciates very much the Syrian government for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage of Syria, which is one of the richest countries of the Mediterranean Sea in cultural heritage.

He added that with the attribution of Mrs. Asma al-Assad of the Doctorate of honor, the university of Rome wants to officially recognize the high merits of this cultural policies at the highest levels, adding "we consider very important the objective, independent and active cultural policies that are patroned and coordinated by her Excellency Mrs. Asma al-Assad. He said that the University of Rome with this Doctorate of honor considers to have a new base of closer cooperation relations between Syria and Italy on every level from culture to politics. He indicated:" All of our countries are strongly interested to maintain a dialogue between civilizations and people of the Mediterranean Sea. " Matthiae concluded by saying:" We strongly support the perspective of a future just and comprehensive peace." Prof. Pelio Fronzaroli, member of the excavation mission in Ebla said in a statement to ArabicNews:" I have been working in Ebla since 1965. I am studying the tablets found at the Royal palace." He added that in this year, new tablets are found at the site and are deciphered.

Highlighting the occasion, he said it is a great event for both our mission and the Syrian authorities, because it stresses the cultural relationship and co-operation between Italy and Syria. He continued "as you have seen, we are preparing Tel's Mardikh's archeological park, hoping that the visitors from Syria or foreign tourists can understand the importance of the building and the civilization we have discovered here."

Francesco Cerulli, ambassador of Italy in Damascus said in a similar statement to Syria Times that this event is very important in the sense it marks the year of abundant cultural relations because it is the 40th anniversary of the discovery of Ebla, adding that several celebrations were held in Italy and Syria. He said the event of today has two faces. One is to present the Honorary doctorate by the University of Rome ( which is the university of Paolo Matthiae ) to Mrs. Asma al-Assad in order to underline all the work that she has done to create the Ebla archeological national park and the support she has given to those involved in the project.

He continued that the second event is the inauguration of the second phase of the archeological park.

Following the ceremony Mrs. Asma al-Assad, the Italian professors and Syrian ministers toured the various departments of the excavated parts of Tel Mardikh. A witness of unmatched human civilization.

Previous Stories:
  Syrian Ugarit exhibition shown in France   (10/20/2004)
  Ebla history highlighted by minister of culture   (10/19/2004)
  Archeological restoration of 'Qatana Kingdom' in Homs   (10/18/2004)

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