Cultural experts ask UN to shield war-torn Lebanon’s heritage

Sub : IR

SEC: Places in news

Context:

Hundreds of cultural professionals, including archaeologists and academics, have urged the United Nations to protect Lebanon’s heritage amidst ongoing conflict.
In a petition sent to UNESCO, they call for safeguarding ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites like Baalbek, Tyre and Anjar, which have been endangered by the conflict.
It proposes measures such as designating “no-target zones,” deploying international observers, and enforcing the 1954 Hague Convention on cultural heritage in conflict.

Baalbek:

Baalbek is a historic city in eastern Lebanon, renowned for its ancient Roman ruins.
It is home to the UNESCO-listed Baalbek Roman temples, including the Temples of Bacchus, Jupiter, and Venus, showcasing intricate architecture.
It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Tyre:

Tyre, a city in southern Lebanon, is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Tyre was a major Phoenician city, known for the invention of the Tyrian purple dye, highly valued in ancient times.

Anjar:

Anjar is an ancient city in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon. Anjar was founded by the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid I in the early 8th century.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated in 1984).