A Syrian man has uncovered hundreds of books and personal documents that he sealed behind a wall nearly 15 years ago.
The elderly man, known as Abu Bilal, reportedly built the false wall inside his home in October 2011, hiding a private collection belonging to his son. He then left Syria for Kuwait as the security situation deteriorated.
The collection reportedly includes politically sensitive and religious books, magazines, manuscripts, Quranic ijazat, academic certificates and personal documents. Some money was also reportedly found inside the hidden space.
In August 2026, Abu Bilal returned and broke through the wall with a hammer. Despite being sealed for more than a decade, the books were reportedly found largely intact, with little evidence of moisture or other damage.
His son, Syrian writer and activist Bilal Alloun, filmed the moment the wall was demolished. The footage has since circulated widely online, drawing attention to the books that had remained hidden throughout years of conflict and political upheaval in Syria.
