Antiquities Trafficking from Syria Along the Northern Route

Abstract

This chapter analyses the illicit economy and antiquities trafficking in Syria and Turkey and examines the routes that have been used and the actors involved in antiquities trafficking along the northern route. Antiquities trafficking has been a profitable activity for local smugglers and government officials and a lucrative financial resource for insurgents and terrorists in Middle Eastern conflict zones, including Syria. Syria has been a stage for clashes between many insurgent groups and terrorist organizations and for proxy wars between the states that sponsor terrorism. The most prominent components of the shadow economy in Syria are human smuggling, oil smuggling, drug trafficking, and antiquities trafficking. One of the illicit trade sectors that has had a significant negative impact on Turkey for several decades is antiquities trafficking–both locally and regionally. Various individuals and groups are involved in the trafficking of antiquities over the northern route.