Arqa: Minister of Culture, Dr. Ghassan Salameh, conducted an inspection visit to the Arqa archaeological site in Akkar to review projects aimed at transforming it into a unique cultural center. The site represents five to six thousand years of Lebanon’s history, as stated by the minister during his tour.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the visit was attended by ALIPH Foundation President Bariza Khiari, Akkar Governor Imad Labaki, Director General of Antiquities Engineer Sarkis Khoury, Regional Director for North Lebanon at the Directorate General of Antiquities Samar Karam, President of the Union of Akkar Municipalities and Deputy Mayor of Arqa Mohammad Abbas, as well as engineers Jean Yassine, Michel Chehab, David Sassin, Baptiste Antoine, and Engineer Sandrine Maleki from the European Institute for Development and Cooperation.

Minister Salameh highlighted the significance of the site, where archaeological excavations began in 1972 through cooperation between the Directorate General of Antiquities and the French archaeological mission led by Jean-Paul Thalmann. Efforts have focused on protecting an archaeological quarter dating back to the Bronze Age, with support from the ALIPH Foundation.

The Minister of Culture stressed the importance of continuing work to protect and showcase the remainder of the site, noting that it is considered one of the most important archaeological landmarks in northern Lebanon.