The US Committee of the Blue Shield (USBCS) expresses its profound sorrow at the great loss of
life, now numbering more than 50,000 victims, due to the earthquake of February 6 and severe
aftershocks in the region of southern Türkiye and northwest Syria. Uncounted numbers of
others have been injured, have lost their homes and their livelihoods, and are now displaced. At
this time, the full extent of the damage to heritage sites, monuments, buildings, and collections
of international, national, and local significance is still unknown. Historic structures such as the
Gaziantep Castle and religious buildings of numerous faiths that were in continued use are
among those severely damaged or destroyed, while the continuity of local ethnic and religious
communities, particularly in Antakya, is also reported to be imperiled. Much remains to be
assessed, while the humanitarian needs for shelter, food and medical care remain paramount.
USBCS stands ready to assist, as feasible, Türkiye Blue Shield and colleagues in Syria in efforts to
preserve the region’s cultural heritage.
Latest News & Alerts
March 23, 2026
NPR recently discussed the damage to Iranian cultural heritage and included comments from USCBS President, Patty Gerstenblith. You can hear the audio piece or read the article on NPR's website.
March 16, 2026
Registration for a hybrid conference titled, "Law, Heritage, & Identity: International Legal Frameworks for Cultural Preservation" at Rutgers Law School is now open. The one-day event will take place on Friday, March 27th and admission is [...]
March 13, 2026
In an article published by the Associated Press on March 12, 2026, USCBS President, Patty Gerstenblith, comments on cultural property protection during the current conflict and the importance of language surrounding rules of engagement. Image of [...]
