Assessing the Damage at Lebanon's Historical Sites
State of the World from NPR
Deep Dive
What significant historical sites in Lebanon were damaged during the recent conflict with Israel?
Several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lebanon were damaged, including the Roman ruins in Tyre, the Byzantine-era wall in Chir, Ottoman-era homes, and the 19th-century Greek Catholic church in Derd Ghaya. Additionally, the 250-year-old mosque minaret in a nearby village was toppled, and the 13th-century Mamluk-era market in Nabatiya was destroyed.
Why are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lebanon marked with blue and white shields?
The blue and white shields are painted on the roofs of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to mark them as protected cultural property under a UN treaty. This is intended to signal to warplanes that these sites should be spared from attacks, as both Israel and Lebanon have signed the treaty.
What is the estimated economic loss to Lebanon due to the recent conflict?
The World Bank estimates Lebanon's losses at $8.5 billion due to the destruction caused by the conflict, including damage to historical sites, infrastructure, and residential areas.
How has the recent conflict impacted the preservation of Lebanon's historical heritage?
The conflict has caused significant damage to Lebanon's historical heritage, with ancient walls, homes, and religious structures destroyed or severely damaged. Archaeologists are still assessing the extent of the damage, including potential hairline fractures in ancient columns, while many sites remain inaccessible due to ongoing risks.
What role does Hezbollah play in the damage to Lebanon's historical sites?
Israel accuses Hezbollah of hiding weapons and fighters near or underneath cultural heritage sites, which has led to airstrikes targeting these areas. Lebanese officials, however, deny these claims and argue that the attacks have disproportionately damaged historical sites, undermining Lebanon's cultural heritage.
What efforts are being made to document and preserve Lebanon's damaged historical sites?
Archaeologists and heritage specialists, such as Joanne Farshouk-Boujali, are assessing the damage to Lebanon's National Register of Historic Places. Photographer Kamel Jaber is documenting the destruction by comparing before-and-after images of heritage sites. However, many sites remain unlogged due to limited resources and access.
What is the significance of Tibneen Castle in Lebanon's history?
Tibneen Castle has been a fortress since 850 BC, with foundations dating back to Aramaic and Assyrian times and turrets built by the Crusaders. It represents a layered history of Lebanon and was recently added to the UN's protection list. Despite this, parts of the castle, including a Crusader-era wall, were damaged during the conflict.
How has the ceasefire affected the assessment of damage to Lebanon's historical sites?
The ceasefire has allowed archaeologists and heritage specialists to begin assessing the damage to historical sites. However, many areas remain inaccessible due to ongoing risks, and thousands of people are still unable to return home, delaying full evaluations.
- Damage to Roman ruins in Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Destruction of a Byzantine-era wall and Ottoman-era homes in Tyre
- Damage to Greco-Roman temples in Baalbek and ruins in Palmyra
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