UNESCO has placed historic castles in southern Lebanon under protection due to ongoing threats. The World Heritage Committee added five castles in the Jabal Amil region to the List of World Heritage in Danger.
According to a statement from the Lebanese Ministry of Culture, the castles of Shaqif (Beaufort), Tibnin (Toron), Dubiye (Shaqra), Deir Kifa (Marun) and Shama were added to the list by a decision taken on Thursday.
Minister Salameh: Cultural heritage is the first victim of conflicts
Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh, speaking at the UNESCO meeting, said the decision reflects the universal value of a unique series of five castles. Salameh emphasized that the castles form a defensive network controlling strategic routes linking the Mediterranean coast to the interior and bear witness to nearly a thousand years of history.
“This decision transcends Lebanon's borders and reminds us that cultural heritage is often one of the first victims of conflicts, yet it also remains one of the last sources of solace, memory and continuity for societies,” Minister Salameh said, adding that heritage protection lays the foundations for dialogue and mutual understanding.
Tyre also on the list
UNESCO's decision is the latest step towards protecting the historical heritage in southern Lebanon. The organization had also added the city of Tyre to the same list last Tuesday, which has suffered direct damage and remains under threat from Israeli attacks.
Israel has continued its attacks on Lebanon since March 2, 2026. According to data from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, 4,329 people have been killed and 12,233 injured in these attacks.
While Israel has occupied some areas in southern Lebanon for decades, it also advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during the 2023-2024 conflicts and the current attacks.
Ridvan Sezer | Editor-in-Chief
