Beirut: Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salameh expressed his appreciation for the decision adopted today during the session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, to inscribe the five Jabal Amel castles on the List of World Heritage in Danger. He addressed the Committee, led by UNESCO Director-General Dr. Khaled El-Enany, the Chair of the World Heritage Committee, and its members, with the participation of a number of States Parties to the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Minister Salameh stated that this decision marks a significant milestone for Lebanon in protecting shared cultural heritage. On behalf of the Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese people, he extended gratitude to the World Heritage Committee for inscribing the Jabal Amel Castles on the UNESCO World Heritage List, while acknowledging the challenges facing this property through its inscription on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Salameh highlighted that the decision reflects the Outstanding Universal Value of five historic castles that collectively influenced the history of southern Lebanon over centuries. These castles include Beaufort Castle (Al-Shaqif), Toron Castle (Tebnine), Chaqra Castle (Dubiyeh), Maroun Castle (Deir Kifa), and Chamaa Castle. Together, they formed a defensive and administrative network controlling strategic routes linking the Mediterranean coast with inland regions, serving as witnesses to nearly a thousand years of history.
The architecture of the Jabal Amel Castles embodies the succession of civilizations that shaped the region from the Crusader, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods to local rulers. They symbolize the continuous exchange of military knowledge, architectural traditions, and construction techniques between East and West. Today, they stand as symbols of resilience, coexistence, and Lebanon's rich cultural identity.
Salameh emphasized that the inscription under criteria (ii) and (iv) confirms the castles' value as an exceptional testimony to the interchange of human values and as examples of the evolution of defensive architecture in the Levant. However, their inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger reflects the challenges and damage suffered due to recent conflicts. It also underscores the international community's commitment to supporting their protection and recovery.
Salameh reassured that Lebanon reaffirms its commitment to implementing necessary measures to safeguard this property in cooperation with UNESCO, its Advisory Bodies, and international partners. He expressed deep appreciation to the World Heritage Centre, the Advisory Bodies, the Committee members, Lebanon's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, and all experts and institutions whose efforts made this inscription possible.
In conclusion, Minister Salameh stated that this inscription transcends Lebanon, carrying a message that cultural heritage is often among the first victims of conflict but remains a source of comfort, memory, and continuity. By protecting heritage, Lebanon is not only preserving the past but also safeguarding dialogue and mutual understanding for a more peaceful future. He reiterated Lebanon's commitment to the World Heritage Convention and working with the international community to protect shared heritage.