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Controversy Over the Demolition of Statues at the Faculty of Arts in Aleppo
The widespread circulation of a photo showing broken statues in the outdoor courtyard of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Aleppo sparked a broad controversy on social media. Accusations were directed at government authorities, accusing them of "destroying artworks" and deliberately removing them.
In response to this controversy, a correspondent from Syria New Agency contacted Youssef Khourfan, the media official at the University of Aleppo. He clarified that what happened was not the demolition of artworks or statues, but rather the removal of old student projects from previous years, which had been damaged due to weather conditions.
Khourfan explained that these materials "are no longer suitable for display," and that the action was part of a routine maintenance and cleanliness plan for the university campus. He emphasized that the intervention does not affect the arts or students’ productions, but is an administrative procedure aimed at organizing the courtyards and maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the place. He added that the most recent exhibition at the faculty, titled "The Harvest of the Faculty of Arts," included hundreds of creative works by students. The university is keen on supporting and documenting student innovations, with damaged works being carefully classified and removed in an organized manner over time.
In conclusion, the official affirmed that the faculty continues its efforts to provide a clean and organized environment that encourages student creativity, with a commitment to presenting their artworks in official university events and exhibitions. He considered what occurred as a routine administrative measure aimed at maintaining the site and preserving the university’s aesthetic integrity.
