Landmarks including the ancient city of Palmyra and the medieval Crusader castle of Crac des Chevaliers remain scarred by years of conflict, but local tourists are returning to the sites, and conservationists hope their historical and cultural significance will eventually draw international visitors back.

Syria’s renowned landmarks, such as the ancient city of Palmyra and the medieval castle of Crac des Chevaliers, still bear the scars of nearly 14 years of war. Conservators, however, are optimistic that their historical and cultural significance will eventually draw international visitors back,

Experts are returning to Syria’s war-ravaged heritage sites, hoping to lay the groundwork for restoring them and reviving tourism, which they say could provide a much-needed boost to the country’s decimated economy after nearly 14 years of war.