Emir of Aleppo Sa'd al-Dawla, who used it as a fortress. This compromised the symbolism of the complex as a holy site, but did not stop worshippers from continuing to visit the complex for the purpose of worship of God. Syrian Civil War The Syrian civil war has caused a lot of damage to the historical site in the violence between the opposing parties in the conflict. Additionally, the building has been destroyed through illegal digging and stone removal. The ruined building is only one of the many ancient buildings on the Northern side of Syria which have been ruined. The structure has been under threat from both the Syrian and Turkish governments through their conflict over the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing. On 28 May 2015, the church was captured by the Kurdish YPG/YPJ but was subsequently lost to factions opposing the Assad government. In May 2016, the Russian Air Force attacked the church, damaging the remains of the pillar of St Simeon as well as the rest of the ruins. By 8 February 2020, the hilltop near the site was occupied by the Turkish Land Forces. Gallery See also Oldest churches in the world History of Roman and Byzantine domes Umar II References Gary Vikan, Byzantine Pilgrimage Art (Dumbarton Oaks Papers, 1982), 8–9. Simeon Citadel and Dead Cities, Suggestion to have Saint Simeon Stylites recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, in 2006, as part of "Simeon Citadel and Dead Cities" project. "St. Simeon Church." Syria Gate (accessed 2008). Sacred Destinations https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1348/multiple=1&unique_number=1761 Further reading Weitzmann, Kurt, ed., Age of spirituality: late antique and early Christian art, third to seventh century, no. 590, 1979, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, External links 180 photographs in gallery, PBase Saint Simeon World Heritage Sites in Syria Dead Cities Byzantine church buildings in Syria Buildings and structures in Aleppo Governorate 5th-century churches 5th-century establishments in the Byzantine Empire