this is really terrible. the ahmad baba institute (CEDRHAB, as it is known by its french acronym) is one of the most amazing places i have ever been. stacks and stacks of golden illuminated arabic manuscripts, with a small staff working endlessly to preserve them. i couldn't take photos inside. the above picture is the outside of the building.
it's always a little strange to complain about the loss of cultural artifacts to a conflict when people are getting raped and murdered. the suffering of people is obviously worse, but the loss of artifacts is the thing that gets the attention. still, it's a terrible tragedy all around.
