Palestine Celebrates Sebastia's UNESCO World Heritage Listing
Translated & summarized from Panet by baba
Palestine celebrated the inscription of the archaeological site of Sebastia on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek stated the inscription is a victory for Palestinian national identity and a result of sustained national efforts. The achievement is expected to bolster the site's significance and support protection efforts against Israeli occupation measures. Local officials, including the Mayor of Sebastia and the Deputy Governor of Nablus, also praised the inscription and pledged continued efforts for the site's development and promotion.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Palestine celebrated Sebastia's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Minister Hani Al-Hayek called the inscription a victory for Palestinian national identity.
- The achievement is expected to bolster Sebastia's historical and humanitarian significance.
- Al-Hayek highlighted the need to protect the site from Israeli occupation measures.
- Local officials pledged continued efforts for Sebastia's protection and tourism development.
Palestinians celebrated the inscription of the archaeological site of Sebastia on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an achievement hailed as a national and historic success reflecting Palestinian efforts to protect cultural heritage and enhance the Palestinian presence internationally. The celebration took place at the archaeological site in Sebastia and was attended by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek, Mayor of Sebastia Mohammed Azem, Deputy Governor of Nablus Colonel Abdullah Al-Asali, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Dr. Jihad Ramadan, and Director of the Tourism and Antiquities Police Department Brigadier General Abdul Hakim Abu Al-Rabb, along with national and local figures and residents of Sebastia.
Minister Al-Hayek emphasized the importance of the national efforts that led to Sebastia's inscription, stating that the achievement will bolster the site's historical and humanitarian significance and support efforts to protect it from threats, particularly those posed by Israeli occupation measures. He described the inscription as not just international recognition of an archaeological site but a victory for Palestinian national identity, affirming the authenticity of Palestinian civilizational roots and the people's right to protect their cultural heritage for future generations.
Al-Hayek addressed the residents of Sebastia, calling the achievement theirs as much as Palestine's, recognizing their role in living among historical landmarks and preserving the site's identity and memory despite challenges. He added that heritage protection begins with the people who belong to the place and pass on its story.
The Minister stressed that the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' responsibility begins with a new phase of joint work to protect, develop, and promote Sebastia's tourism presence for sustainable development. He noted that Sebastia now has international recognition, a result of continuous national efforts, a people committed to their land and identity, and a local community aware of its unique civilizational heritage.
Mayor Azem praised the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' efforts, highlighting Sebastia's exceptional historical and civilizational value. He stressed the importance of continued cooperation for the site's protection and development. Deputy Governor Al-Asali also commended the achievement and affirmed ongoing efforts to advance Sebastia as a significant tourist destination in the Nablus Governorate.