From war to life: Syrian underwater museum could turn military equipment into marine habitat

Syria has unveiled plans for an underwater museum off the coast of Latakia, merging the country's heritage, contemporary art, marine tourism, and environmental regeneration with military equipment from the war. The concept was showcased at the Syria Travel Show 2026 alongside Tourism Minister Mazen Al Salhani and Lebanese Tourism Minister Laura Lahoud.

The proposed destination aims to offer a unique diving experience showcasing Syrian cultural identity, marine tourism, environmental education, scientific research, and economic opportunities for coastal communities.

Conceptualized by David Shawakh, the underwater museum would begin with a structure inspired by Palmyrene architecture, followed by a space featuring works by Syrian artists, culminating in a marine environment incorporating decommissioned war equipment. Over time, the structures could serve as marine habitats, fostering the growth of marine life.

The project also includes an artificial marine garden intended to create interconnected spaces for marine organisms, adding an educational and ecological dimension to the visitor experience.

Al Salhani emphasized that the proposal reflects a broader effort to diversify Syria's tourism sector and encourage private-sector participation. He stated that Syria possesses unique assets that can be transformed into experiences and products to benefit local communities. The project team expressed hope to develop the concept into a major open underwater museum, subject to necessary studies and international benchmarking.

Currently, the proposal is at the concept and preliminary study stage, with the next phase involving site identification and environmental assessments before a master plan and pilot phase are considered. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to develop new tourism experiences along Syria's Mediterranean coast, creating opportunities for local communities and businesses in the sector's growth.