A record of pre-Daesh monuments in Syria: Photos captured by architectural photographer Peter Aaron during a 2009 family vacation to Syria now serve as a reminder of the country’s not-so-distant past, John Gendall writes for the New Yorker. Ancient sites and monuments — such as the 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel in Palmyra, the Monastery of Mar Sarkis (St. Sergius) in Maalula, and the bustling markets of Aleppo and Damascus — have either been completely destroyed or severely damaged in the conflict. Aaron’s images are part of the Venice Architecture Biennale running from 26 May until 25 November.

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