UNESCO Lists Tyre's Old City in Lebanon as Endangered World Heritage Site

UNESCO has added the Old City of Tyre in southern Lebanon to its list of World Heritage Sites in danger, citing direct damage and ongoing security threats. The decision was made during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea, following a request from the Lebanese government to strengthen international protection mechanisms for the site. Tyre, founded approximately 4,700 years ago, contains significant archaeological remains including a Roman-era triumphal arch and a second-century chariot racing track.

The site suffered damage during Israeli-Lebanese hostilities in early June 2023, with attacks on June 7 damaging historic buildings, generators, offices of the Directorate General of Antiquities, and parts of the archaeological area. Lebanese authorities reported difficulties assessing the full extent of the damage due to unsafe access conditions. The conflict-related strikes were linked to Hezbollah's activities in the region, including the Christian quarter of Tyre, where Hezbollah militants were reportedly hiding.

In early June, the Israeli Defense Forces issued an unusual evacuation warning for the Christian quarter of Tyre amid intensified fighting, highlighting the area's security risks. Although recent days have seen signs of normalization in the city itself, tensions remain high in the wider Tyre district.

Lebanese Culture Minister Rassan Salameh expressed gratitude to UNESCO for the listing, emphasizing the site's immense historical importance and the ongoing regional conflicts that threaten its preservation. Alongside Tyre, UNESCO is expected to designate additional sites in southern Lebanon, including Beaufort Castle, as endangered heritage locations.

This UNESCO designation aims to draw international attention and support to protect Tyre's ancient heritage amid continuing instability in southern Lebanon.