August 19, 2015
The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago mourns the brutal murder by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (also known as ISIL, ISIS, or Da’ish) of Khaled al-As'ad, the retired Antiquities Director for the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria.
Palmyra, a caravan city on the edge of the Syrian desert is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its historical significance as part of the Silk Road, its beautifully preserved architecture and magnificent sculptures.
The 81 year old Mr. al-As'ad was arrested, tortured, and beheaded for refusing to reveal the location of antiquities from Palmyra that he had hidden away to prevent them from being looted and sold on the illicit antiquities market.
We condemn this brutal and senseless act. We mourn the loss of a scholar and courageous man who gave his life to protect the irreplaceable cultural heritage of Palmyra, and Syria more generally.

News Reports
Beheaded Syrian scholar refused to lead Isis to hidden Palmyra antiquities
The Guardian
August 19, 2015
ISIS Beheads Archaeology 'Pioneer' Khaled al-Asaad in Palmyra
NBC News
August 19, 2015
ISIS Behead Palmyra Archaeologist Khaled al-Assad And Hang His Body From Ancient Ruins
Huffington Post
August 19, 2015
Syrian Expert Who Shielded Palmyra Antiquities Meets a Grisly Death at ISIS’ Hands
New York Times
August 19, 22
Saddest job in the world? The race to save Syria's history from obliteration
CNN
August 20, 2015
Related: Oriental Institute Statement on Cultural Destruction in Iraq