UNESCO Adds Ancient Tyre in Lebanon to Endangered Heritage List

UNESCO has officially added the Ancient City of Tyre to its List of World Heritage in Danger, a move aimed at strengthening international efforts to protect one of Lebanon’s most important archaeological sites following the damage caused by violent enemy airstrikes.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture stated that the designation will provide a stronger framework for preserving, restoring, and safeguarding the historic city. You can read the full statement shared by the ministry here:

In a statement, Culture Minister Dr. Ghassan Salame said the decision serves as a reminder that protecting cultural heritage is a shared global responsibility. “The decision concerning the city of Tyre reminds us that protecting cultural heritage is not the responsibility of one country alone. Historic sites like Tyre are part of humanity’s history just as much as they are part of Lebanon’s. Their protection is therefore a shared responsibility that transcends borders and conflicts.”

The ministry also noted that Tyre was granted Enhanced Protection in 2025 under the Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. The designation recognizes the site’s exceptional cultural value and reinforces measures aimed at safeguarding it during times of conflict.

UNESCO designated the Ancient City of Tyre a World Heritage Site in 1984, recognizing it as one of the Mediterranean’s most important archaeological sites. According to the ministry, the World Heritage Committee’s latest decision reflects the serious challenges the site has faced following enemy aggressions while providing a stronger international framework for its protection, preservation, and future rehabilitation.

By placing Tyre on the List of World Heritage in Danger, UNESCO opens the door to greater international support, including technical expertise and conservation assistance, to help preserve the site for future generations.

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