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US Hands Over Ancient Sarcophagus Fragments to Lebanon

This New York City Police Department photo shows one of three ancient sarcophagi fragments that the FBI Art Crime Team returned to the government of Lebanon during a September 2, 2026, ceremony in New York. (New York City Police Department)
This New York City Police Department photo shows one of three ancient sarcophagi fragments that the FBI Art Crime Team returned to the government of Lebanon during a September 2, 2026, ceremony in New York. (New York City Police Department)
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US Hands Over Ancient Sarcophagus Fragments to Lebanon

This New York City Police Department photo shows one of three ancient sarcophagi fragments that the FBI Art Crime Team returned to the government of Lebanon during a September 2, 2026, ceremony in New York. (New York City Police Department)
This New York City Police Department photo shows one of three ancient sarcophagi fragments that the FBI Art Crime Team returned to the government of Lebanon during a September 2, 2026, ceremony in New York. (New York City Police Department)

The United States on Thursday announced the return of Roman-era sarcophagus fragments to Lebanon that were looted from the southern city of Tyre and recovered by an FBI investigation.

The decorative, lead fragments were returned to the Lebanese consulate in New York on Wednesday, ahead of their repatriation, the US embassy in Lebanon said.

The recovery "reflects the strong US-Lebanon partnership in the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property", the embassy said.

Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame said the fragments "were unearthed in the Tyre area during illegal excavations".

"The fragments bear distinctive artistic, decorative and technical characteristics typical of workshops that produced lead sarcophagus in Tyre, which were among the city's active and prolific workshops in antiquity."

According to the FBI, the antiquities "were stolen from illicit excavations in or around Tyre and were exported outside of Lebanon's borders".

The trade in looted antiquities is widespread in the Middle East. New York, one of the world's art capitals, is home to many wealthy collectors, galleries, and auction houses.

In December 2017, three ancient artifacts were returned to Lebanon, including a bull's head of Greek origin that had been exhibited at the Met Gala, valued at $1.2 million.

Salame said the Tyre region "is exceptionally rich in archaeological heritage" and "has recently suffered severe destruction" due to heavy Israeli strikes during the latest war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

UNESCO, the United Nations cultural agency, added Tyre to its World Heritage in Danger list in July.

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Culture

King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah Fosters Cultural Activity in Qassim

The center holds significant cultural and social value, featuring facilities, halls, and theaters that host diverse events, festivals, exhibitions, and forums - SPA
The center holds significant cultural and social value, featuring facilities, halls, and theaters that host diverse events, festivals, exhibitions, and forums - SPA
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King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah Fosters Cultural Activity in Qassim

The center holds significant cultural and social value, featuring facilities, halls, and theaters that host diverse events, festivals, exhibitions, and forums - SPA
The center holds significant cultural and social value, featuring facilities, halls, and theaters that host diverse events, festivals, exhibitions, and forums - SPA

The King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah is a prominent cultural landmark in Qassim Region. It holds significant cultural and social value, featuring facilities, halls, and theaters that host diverse events, festivals, exhibitions, and forums.

Official spokesperson for the Qassim Region Municipality Nayef Al-Nufai stated that the center serves as a vibrant space for activities and programs that bring together various segments of society, providing an ideal environment for specialized events and professional gatherings, SPA reported.

He added that the municipality is committed to maximizing the utility of such cultural facilities, ensuring they serve the community effectively, align with residents' aspirations, invigorate cultural and tourism activity, and elevate Buraidah's urban landscape.

Culture

Northern Borders Region’s Heritage Preserves Cultural Identity

Folk arts are another integral part of the region’s social fabric, characterized by rhythmic performances and communal chants that express courage, enthusiasm, and social cohesion - SPA
Folk arts are another integral part of the region’s social fabric, characterized by rhythmic performances and communal chants that express courage, enthusiasm, and social cohesion - SPA
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Northern Borders Region’s Heritage Preserves Cultural Identity

Folk arts are another integral part of the region’s social fabric, characterized by rhythmic performances and communal chants that express courage, enthusiasm, and social cohesion - SPA
Folk arts are another integral part of the region’s social fabric, characterized by rhythmic performances and communal chants that express courage, enthusiasm, and social cohesion - SPA

Northern Borders Region preserves a diverse intangible cultural heritage, including social customs, folk arts, and knowledge rooted in desert life that remain deeply embedded in the local community's consciousness and daily practices.

The region evokes its collective memory and cultural heritage through social practices passed down through generations, including generosity, hospitality, and traditional gathering spaces where community members meet to exchange news and ideas, SPA reported.

Saudi coffee is also central, along with the etiquette and traditions surrounding its preparation and service, which embody the values of welcoming others and fostering social connection.

Folk arts are another integral part of the region’s social fabric, characterized by rhythmic performances and communal chants that express courage, enthusiasm, and social cohesion.

The region’s traditional way of life is reflected in various crafts and manual practices developed to meet the needs of desert life. This includes specialized knowledge of camels and traditional methods for traveling and living in the desert, as well as the expertise gained from navigating its challenging climatic conditions.

Culture

Jazan’s Traditional Sweets Preserve Culinary Heritage, Cultural Identity

Halqum, meanwhile, has a soft, elastic, gelatinous texture and comes in various flavors and colors depending on its ingredients and preparation methods - SPA
Halqum, meanwhile, has a soft, elastic, gelatinous texture and comes in various flavors and colors depending on its ingredients and preparation methods - SPA
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Jazan’s Traditional Sweets Preserve Culinary Heritage, Cultural Identity

Halqum, meanwhile, has a soft, elastic, gelatinous texture and comes in various flavors and colors depending on its ingredients and preparation methods - SPA
Halqum, meanwhile, has a soft, elastic, gelatinous texture and comes in various flavors and colors depending on its ingredients and preparation methods - SPA

Traditional sweets in Jazan Region tell a story that goes beyond their taste, evoking customs passed down through generations, with some varieties becoming familiar and cherished. Mashbak and Halqum are among these sweets, combining visual appeal with familiar flavors.

Mashbak is usually made from a dough mixture shaped into interwoven strands, then fried until golden, SPA reported.

Halqum, meanwhile, has a soft, elastic, gelatinous texture and comes in various flavors and colors depending on its ingredients and preparation methods. Differences in texture and shape give each sweet its own distinctive character within a diverse world of confectionery preparation and presentation.

Food heritage is an important way to introduce the cultural identity of different regions. Understanding a place extends beyond its natural and historical landmarks to include its local products and the customs, skills, and practices passed down through generations.

From this perspective, traditional sweets represent part of the cultural experience through which visitors can discover aspects of daily life and local hospitality.