Saving Lebanon’s Cultural Heritage: A Global Effort to Protect its Endangered Heritage

Lebanon, a land of rich history and culture, holds within its borders a treasure trove of archaeological and architectural marvels that span thousands of years. From the ancient Roman ruins of Baalbek to the coastal beauty of Tyre, these sites are more than just historical landmarks; they are living testaments to the civilizations that have shaped human history. However, the country’s cultural heritage is under severe threat due to ongoing conflicts and targeted destruction. This urgent situation has galvanised local and international communities to take action and ensure these landmarks are preserved for future generations.

In the face of these challenges, UNESCO, alongside the Lebanese Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA)/Ministry of Culture, researchers, and global heritage professionals, has been mobilizing efforts to protect Lebanon’s invaluable sites. This article explores the significance of Lebanon’s cultural heritage, the threats it faces, and the collective actions having been taken to safeguard it between September and December 2024.

The Situation on the Ground: Cultural Heritage Under Siege 

Sites such as Baalbek, Tyre, and Byblos, which are inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, exemplify the rich tapestry of cultural exchange that has shaped the region. Baalbek, renowned for its monumental Roman temples, is among the largest and best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world. Tyre, a historic Phoenician city, played a crucial role in maritime trade and cultural dissemination across the Mediterranean. Byblos, along with Sidon, important ancient cities, holds significant archaeological evidence tracing the evolution of early human settlements and their impact on the development of urbanisation. These sites, alongside others like Anjar, the Sanctuary of Echmoun, and the Qadisha Valley, underscore Lebanon’s importance as a cultural and historical hub. They not only connect contemporary Lebanese society to its diverse past but also serve as a shared legacy for humanity, offering invaluable insights into ancient civilizations, trade networks, and artistic achievements. Their preservation is vital for sustaining Lebanon’s identity, fostering global understanding, and supporting the country’s survival through cultural tourism.

However, Lebanon’s cultural heritage is under severe threat due to recent conflicts which have caused extensive damage to its archaeological treasures. The archaeological site at Deir Zanoun, located between Anjar and Bar Elias in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, faced significant challenges due to the escalation of hostilities in September 2024. In Baalbek, a series of airstrikes led to the collapse of part of the Roman acropolis’s enclosure wall and the destruction of the Ottoman-era El-Menchiyé building. The legendary Palmyra Hotel, an integral part of Baalbek’s historic landscape, suffered irreparable damage. Tyre, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and several monuments and sites (e.g. the Citadel of Shamaa) in the South of Lebanon have also faced recurrent assaults, raising alarms over the intentional or collateral destruction of these irreplaceable monuments. In response to the intensification of violence, the archaeological team excavating at Deir Zanoun was compelled to evacuate urgently on the twenty-third of September. In addition to the destruction caused by conflict, Lebanon’s heritage faces the persistent dangers of looting and illicit trafficking of cultural artefacts, particularly in areas affected by instability. The economic and political crises further exacerbate the problem, leaving limited resources for site management and conservation.

Baalbeck’s iconic ruins stand resilient amid the rubble, captured by Yanal Al Mokdad, 11/12/2024

The need to safeguard Lebanon’s cultural heritage has never been more urgent. These monuments are not merely remnants of the past; they are essential to understanding the shared human experience. Their destruction would represent an irreparable loss to global heritage and the collective memory of humanity. Immediate action, robust international cooperation, and sustainable funding are essential to protect these sites from further harm and ensure their preservation for future generations. Lebanon’s cultural treasures are a testament to resilience and creativity, and their survival is a responsibility shared.

UNESCO’s Enhanced Protection Measures

On 4 November 2024, Lebanon submitted an emergency request to UNESCO under Article 11(9) of the 1999 Second Protocol to the Hague Convention, seeking to secure provisional enhanced protection for 34 cultural properties. This appeal was made against a backdrop of devastation. In response to Lebanon’s urgent plea, UNESCO convened an extraordinary session on November 18, 2024, officially granting enhanced protection status to the 34 sites. This status, rooted in the 1954 Hague Convention, provides the highest level of immunity during armed conflict, prohibiting their use for military purposes and criminalising any attacks against them. This landmark decision was made possible through the tireless efforts of the Lebanese ambassador to UNESCO, the Lebanese Ministry of Culture and the DGA, in collaboration with Lebanese civil societies, led by the Baalbek Festival Committee and Lebanese British friends of the National Museum, as well as international experts and advocates.

Among the 34 sites now under enhanced protection are the archaeological sites of Baalbek, Tyre, and Anjar, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other significant locations include the Sanctuary of Echmoun, the National Museum of Beirut, the Roman bridge of Jeb Jannine, and the Citadel of Chamaa (List of sites). These sites are not merely monuments but living records of the economic, cultural, and diplomatic exchanges that have shaped human civilisation. Their destruction would represent an irreplaceable loss to the collective memory of humanity (Table: List of 34 Protected Sites).

Mobilising the Global Community

The critical need to protect Lebanon’s heritage inspired a petition signed by 355 professionals, including archaeologists, academics, museum curators, and artists from Europe, Asia, and the United States. This global coalition, representing 198 universities and 194 research centres, called for urgent actions to prevent further destruction.

Participation Overview:

• Total Participants: 355
• Unique Universities and Research Centres Represented: 198
• Unique countries Represented: 13 (France, Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, Switzerland, Poland, Netherlands, United States, Indonesia, Tunisia, Qatar, Lebanon).

Key Demands in the Petition:

• Establish no-target zones around key heritage sites.
• Deploy international observers to monitor and enforce protections.
• Impose sanctions on those violating international heritage protection laws.

The petition emphasized that inaction would lead to losses similar to those seen in Palmyra, and other archaeological sites urging the global community to act swiftly.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay aptly stated: “UNESCO is resolute in supporting the Lebanese people, as it has always done”. This commitment, while encouraging, requires the continued support of the international community, both in action and advocacy. Protecting Lebanon’s heritage is not just about preserving the past; it is about safeguarding the future. These sites inspire learning, understanding, and a sense of shared humanity. Their survival depends on concerted efforts to enforce international agreements, fund restoration projects, and raise awareness.

The petition and ongoing efforts highlight the global responsibility to protect Lebanon’s cultural heritage. Individuals can contribute by advocating for the enforcement of international protections, raising awareness about the risks to these sites, and supporting organisations working on the ground to restore and safeguard these treasures. As Jack Lang, President of the Arab World Institute– Paris, eloquently noted: “Despite adversities, Lebanon continues to thrive, demonstrating resilience and creativity that the world must support and celebrate.”

In parallel, ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) and the Blue Shield organisation have been at the forefront of efforts to safeguard Lebanon’s endangered cultural heritage amidst escalating threats from armed conflict. ICOMOS issued a strong statement emphasising the “immediate and grave threats” to Lebanon’s invaluable archaeological and architectural sites, calling for urgent international cooperation to protect these irreplaceable treasures. The organisation is leveraging its global network of heritage professionals to provide expertise and advocacy, working closely with UNESCO and local authorities (ICOMOS Statement, 2024).

Similarly, Blue Shield, known for its commitment to the protection of cultural property during crises, has been instrumental in mobilising resources and raising awareness. Through coordinated efforts, both organizations aim to implement preventive measures, support emergency interventions, and foster long-term strategies to preserve Lebanon’s cultural legacy for future generations. Their collective advocacy underscores the global responsibility to protect cultural heritage as a universal symbol of human resilience and identity (Blue Shield Statement).

By uniting to protect Lebanon’s heritage, we not only honour its history but also reinforce the bonds of our shared humanity. The treasures of Lebanon are the treasures of the world, and their preservation is a cause that must bring us all together.

Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the protection and preservation of Lebanon’s invaluable cultural heritage. To the signatories of the petitions, the cultural institutions, archaeologists, heritage specialists, academics, writers, artists, and concerned global citizens who raised their voices and took action, we thank you for your unwavering support and solidarity. Your commitment reminds us that safeguarding humanity’s shared legacy is a collective responsibility. Furthermore, we acknowledge the effort and devotion of archaeologists and DGA members during these hard times. They face unique challenges, balancing their commitment to preserving cultural heritage with personal safety. Archaeologists working in conflict zones tackle ethical dilemmas, such as prioritizing human lives over artefacts and deciding whether to work in areas where their presence might legitimize occupying powers or armed group. Adopting international guidelines, such as the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, helps navigate these challenges. The International Congress on the Archaeology of the Near East (ICAANE), held in Rome in 1998, reaffirmed the commitment to UNESCO’s charter, which prohibits occupying powers from conducting archaeological excavations in occupied territories.

As we advocate for the protection of this heritage and with the cease-fire implemented now in Lebanon, we also express our heartfelt hope for peace to prevail across the world. The recent devastations are stark reminders of the destructive toll of conflict, not just on human lives but on the cultural symbols that define civilizations. We call for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine, peace and prosperity in Syria and emphasise the urgent need to protect the cultural heritage of Palestine and Syria, which, like Lebanon’s, stands as a testament to resilience, history, and identity.

Let us stand together for a future where heritage is a bridge for understanding, a beacon of hope, and a legacy for generations to come. Peace and respect of human rights must guide us in building a better, more united world that value diversity and culture.

-The UNESCO meeting document regarding the Request for international assistance from the Fund for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict: Lebanon

L’auteur

Jwana Chahoud est Professeure d’Archéologie Orientale à l’université Lyon 2, spécialiste archéozoologue, UMR 5133-Archéorient, Maison de l’Orient et de la Méditerranée, Lyon / Université Libanaise, Beyrouth. 

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