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Threatened by Israeli Airstrikes, Lebanon’s Cultural Sites Get Increased Protection from UN

Rubble lies at the site of the historic “Al-Manshiya” building damaged in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, near the Roman ruins of Baalbek, in the eastern city of Baalbek, Lebanon November 7, 2024. (Reuters)
Rubble lies at the site of the historic “Al-Manshiya” building damaged in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, near the Roman ruins of Baalbek, in the eastern city of Baalbek, Lebanon November 7, 2024. (Reuters)
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Threatened by Israeli Airstrikes, Lebanon’s Cultural Sites Get Increased Protection from UN

Rubble lies at the site of the historic “Al-Manshiya” building damaged in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, near the Roman ruins of Baalbek, in the eastern city of Baalbek, Lebanon November 7, 2024. (Reuters)
Rubble lies at the site of the historic “Al-Manshiya” building damaged in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, near the Roman ruins of Baalbek, in the eastern city of Baalbek, Lebanon November 7, 2024. (Reuters)

A specialized United Nations agency granted on Monday provisional enhanced protection to 34 cultural properties in Lebanon, including the World Heritage sites of Baalbek and Tyre, following recent Israeli strikes near them.

“Non-compliance with these clauses would constitute serious violations of the 1954 Hague Convention and would constitute potential grounds for prosecution,” the UN cultural and scientific agency UNESCO said in a statement. The decision also includes financial and technical assistance to safeguard Lebanon’s heritage.

The decision was made during an extraordinary session of the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property that was held in Paris on Monday, at the request of Lebanese authorities.

This move comes amid mounting threats to Lebanon’s cultural sites. On Nov. 7, an Israeli airstrike destroyed an Ottoman-era building near the UNESCO-listed Roman temples of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said: “UNESCO has a deep and long-standing cooperation with Lebanon. We will spare no effort to provide all the expertise and assistance needed to protect its exceptional heritage.”

In addition to legal protections, UNESCO said it has been implementing measures such as satellite monitoring, risk management training and emergency relocation of movable artifacts.

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Saudi Ministry of Culture Celebrates Yemeni Orchestra in Riyadh

The International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) further enhanced the evening with a photographic exhibition showcasing its efforts to preserve heritage. - SPA
The International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) further enhanced the evening with a photographic exhibition showcasing its efforts to preserve heritage. - SPA
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Saudi Ministry of Culture Celebrates Yemeni Orchestra in Riyadh

The International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) further enhanced the evening with a photographic exhibition showcasing its efforts to preserve heritage. - SPA
The International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) further enhanced the evening with a photographic exhibition showcasing its efforts to preserve heritage. - SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Yemeni Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, hosted a cultural celebration of the Yemeni Orchestra at the King Fahad Cultural Centre in Riyadh. The event was attended by Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan Altouq and Yemen's Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Moammar Al-Eryani.
According to a press release issued by the Culture Ministry, the event showcased the Yemeni musical and cultural heritage, blending traditional melodies with contemporary compositions. Famous Yemeni artists delivered captivating performances that highlighted the abundant musical traditions of Aden, Sana'a and Hadhramaut, alongside Saudi musicians, revealing the two nations' shared cultural legacies, SPA reported.
According to the release, the orchestra, conducted by known Yemeni composer Mohamed Al-Ghoom, performed in two 45-minute sets. Captivating audiences, the first segment opened with the lively rhythms of Mizmar Al-Habish, followed by beloved songs such as Nabdh Al-Madhy and Ma Alina. The second segment began with Amwaj Alliqa, transitioning seamlessly to songs that trailed including the Yemeni Medley and Ghaddar Allayl. The celebration concluded with a medley of Saudi songs, comprising classics such as Watani AlHabeeb and Anta Malek. The show ended with a heartfelt rendition of Yemen's national anthem, Watan.
In addition to the musical performance, the event featured activities organized by the Music Commission, one of 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture.
Attendees visited exhibitions where traditional musical instruments such as the oud, qanun and simsimiyya were on display.
The commission also participated with the Saudi Music Memory initiative, which documents and preserves the Kingdom's musical history up to the mid-1980s and the Saudi Trouq initiative, with musical performances blending traditional instruments from Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) further enhanced the evening with a photographic exhibition showcasing its efforts to preserve heritage.
The celebration underscores the Kingdom's commitment to fostering cultural exchange and collaboration. By highlighting the abundant heritage of the two nations, the event further strengthened cultural ties and offered a unique musical experience that celebrated their shared heritage and bond.