UNESCO Declares Ancient City of Tyre in Lebanon a World Heritage Site in Danger

UNESCO announced on Thursday that the ancient city of Tyre, located in southern Lebanon, has been designated as a World Heritage Site in Danger. This decision was made at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea, following a request from the Lebanese government. The organization highlighted that the archaeological site has suffered direct damage due to recent fighting and bombings in the area, compromising the conditions necessary for preserving its historical value.

Tyre, founded approximately 4,700 years ago, was originally inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. The city contains significant Roman-era archaeological remains, including a triumphal arch and one of the largest ancient hippodromes in the world. Lebanese Culture Minister Hassan Salameh welcomed the decision, stating that the listing will help mobilize resources and increase international attention toward protecting the historic site.

In related UNESCO news, the organization also recognized the Cave of the Patriarchs as a World Heritage Site in Palestine. Meanwhile, the United States has withdrawn from UNESCO.