Resilient Kessab: In three pictures

Missakian-Churukian Cultural Center in kessab

Missakian-Churukian Cultural Center is in the heart of Kessab, the town. It was a vibrant cultural center before the sack of Kessab by Islamist extremists who attacked Kessab from Turkey, plundered and sacked for the next 86 days, until June 15, 2014. When the Kessabtsis returned from their exile in city of Latakia and elsewhere on June 15, 2014, they found the Missakian center still smoldering. They would soon find out that Kessab and the surrounding villages was sacked and plunder completely and the loot was hauled to Turkey and hence to beyond.

Recently I came across the picture of the Missakian cultural center restored. It stands as a testament to the resiliency of Kessab who carved a living in that mountainous land during the past few centuries. 

The three pictures below show the Missakian Cultural Center before the sack, at the sacking and presently restored to its pristine condition.

Missakian-Churukian Cultural Center in down town Kessab BEFORE THE SACKING  of Kessab on March 21, 2014

Missakian-Churukian Cultural Center in down town Kessab DURING THE SACKING of Kessab on March 21, 2014

Courtesy Father Nareg Louisiana

Missakian-Churukian Cultural Center in down town Kessab RESTORED. Picture  courtesy Ali Monty.

p.s.   A comment from the benefactor's daughter, on September 6, 2023

Missakian Center before March 21, 2014.
Second from right is Khajag Apelian who has been missing while serving the Syrian Army.