Lebanon is enduring the harsh fallout of military strikes, leading to extensive damage and threats against its rich historical and cultural heritage. Observers have expressed increasing concern as Israeli airstrikes have devastated parts of the country, harming ancient cities and archaeological sites recognized by UNESCO as invaluable cultural treasures.
Among those deeply affected is Nader Siklaoui, a Lebanese archaeologist who has dedicated much of his life to protecting Lebanon's antiquities. His pain was palpable as he documented the chaos caused by missiles crashing down near ancient Roman columns. "Oh God, oh God," he uttered, the horror of the situation reflected not only on his face but through the trembling of his camera as plumes of smoke filled the sky after an airstrike on October 26, 2024, targeting Tyre, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities worldwide.
The need to preserve such legacies has become increasingly urgent. Lawmaker Najat Saliba highlighted, "This appeal goes beyond physical preservation. It is about safeguarding the traditions, stories, and values these sites represent, legacies connecting our past to our future." Many fear the relentless bombings will annihilate not just heritage sites but the stories they tell—a history of civilizations spanning thousands of years.
On November 6, following multiple strikes on the city of Baalbek, known for its majestic Roman temples, the region's governor reported missiles landing dangerously close to the temples and causing significant damage. These ancient structures are not merely ruins; they are witnesses to the rise and fall of civilizations, the mingling of cultures, and the endurance of beauty carved from stone.
Activists and cultural experts are sounding alarms. A petition advocating for the protection of Lebanon’s cultural sites has garnered attention, urging the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to move quickly to mitigate destruction efforts. Over 300 prominent figures, including archaeologists, museum curators, and writers from various nations, signed the petition which implores UNESCO to declare "no-target zones" around heritage sites, particularly those under the threat of military action. The initiative calls for direct action to safeguard these symbols of cultural identity, urging international observers to monitor the situation actively.
This call for action from cultural professionals is detailed and strategic. Cultural sites like Baalbek, Tyre, and Anjar, with their ancient ruins, demand heightened protection under international law. According to UNESCO, enhanced protection affirms high-level immunity to military assaults, which is desperately needed as airstrikes escalate.
"Lebanon’s cultural heritage at large is being endangered by recurrent assaults on ancient cities such as Baalbek, Tyre, and Anjar," reads part of the petition. The attacks have not only resulted in physical destruction but have also sparked worries about the long-term ramifications for Lebanon’s identity—its connection to its historical roots could be severed forever.
The recent conflict has heightened the toll not only on the Lebanese people but also on their historical sites. Satellite images reveal substantial damage, with entire towns and villages razed to the ground, particularly those located near the Lebanese-Israeli border. Alleged Hezbollah positions have been primary targets for the Israeli Defense Forces, wreaking havoc on the surrounding communities, which are home to significant historical heritage.
Social media reports paint grim pictures of the situation. Places like Mhaibib and Nabatiyeh, known for their ancient shrines and historic souks, have been obliterated, leaving behind mere rubble and memories. The consistent bombardment presents severe risks to other archaeological sites, some dating back to the Paleolithic period, when humans first began using stone tools.
Responding to the threat, Lebanese lawmakers have called for international intervention to preserve their priceless culture. Many believe the continued destruction of their heritage mirrors the war’s broader impacts—a loss of cultural identity and the erasure of shared human history. This has become evident as Beirut’s National Museum, filled with artifacts from Lebanon's past, echoes with the blasts from nearby airstrikes.
During one of the interviews recorded at the museum, Nader Siklaoui lamented, "I am crying. If we have an enemy like Israel, what can we do with him? What can we do?" His heartache connects not just to the physical structures under siege but to a larger narrative—the story of Lebanon itself, its ancient civilizations, and the shared heritage at risk of vanishing.
The cultural losses intertwine tragically with the human costs of the conflict—more than 3,200 lives lost, with over one million people displaced due to the military actions targeting Hezbollah positions. The ripple effects of this violence have prompted around 60,000 Israelis to flee their homes as well. Sounds of destruction disrupt what was once vibrant cultural landscapes filled with rich histories and myriad voices.
The call for protection from UNESCO seems more pressing than ever. The international community faces the dual challenge of addressing the immediate humanitarian needs and extending protective measures to preserve heritage sites. The plea is not just for the preservation of physical sites but for maintaining the narratives and identities of those who have lived through and thrived on these lands throughout history.
With tensions remaining high, the fate of Lebanon's ancient heritage hangs precariously. The reminder of the past resonates with scholars, lawmakers, and citizens alike. Their hopes rely on international intervention to act swiftly, allowing these relics of human existence to endure, safeguarding the memories of those who came before and shaping the future for those yet to come.
