LEBANON (Enmaeya News) - November 12, 2025
Lebanon’s Minister of Culture, Ghassan Salameh, affirmed that reforms are possible in Lebanon, stressing that “the true value lies in the effort, not the outcome,” and that every moment is suitable for reform despite challenges.
He highlighted the ministry’s role in preserving Lebanon’s 6,000-year cultural heritage, including archaeological sites and intangible heritage, with ongoing restoration and promotion efforts.
Salameh said the ministry works with foreign donors, including governments and international organizations, and partners with the “ALF” heritage organization on sites such as Qadisha, Tyre, and Tripoli. Restoration priorities are set according to risk, with urgent sites addressed first.
The Directorate General of Antiquities was praised for its modern methods, especially after Israeli attacks affected Chamaa Castle, Tyre, and Baalbek. Salameh visited Chamaa Castle; restoration hasn’t started because $3–4 million from Italy is frozen due to the banking crisis, and negotiations are ongoing.
Regarding the Bashoura site, the Roman wall was dismantled 12–13 years ago. Monitoring continues, and a parking lot at the French Hospital site was allowed with a written commitment to rebuild the wall.
On Jeita Grotto, Salameh clarified that the ministry handles built heritage, while Tourism and Environment manage natural sites. The Minister of Tourism faced pressure to reopen the grotto, which was handed to the municipality.
Projects threatening cedar trees, Qadisha Valley, and the Valley of the Saints were halted, with encroachments requiring daily attention.
