Unesco adds conflict-hit heritage sites from Middle East
New World Heritage inscriptions include sites in Iran, Lebanon and Palestine, with several also placed on the endangered list due to ongoing conflict
PARIS, France (MNTV) — UNESCO has added 25 new cultural and natural properties to its World Heritage List, including historic sites in Iran, Lebanon and Palestine, with several receiving emergency recognition because of threats posed by armed conflict and regional instability.
The new inscriptions were approved during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, where three sites were processed under UNESCO’s emergency procedures and simultaneously placed on the World Heritage in Danger List.
Among the newly recognized sites is Alamut Castle and its associated fortifications in northern Iran.
Situated in Qazvin province, the fortress complex served as the political, military and intellectual center of the Nizari Ismailis between the 11th and 13th centuries. \
Iranian officials welcomed the decision, saying the priority now is preserving the site’s authenticity and historical integrity. The inscription increases Iran’s total number of World Heritage properties to 30.
In the occupied West Bank, Sebastia, an archaeological site with thousands of years of continuous settlement, was also inscribed under emergency procedures and immediately added to the Danger List.
Palestinian officials said the designation reflects growing threats to the site’s preservation, including land confiscation plans and restrictions on conservation efforts.
Israel rejected the decision, maintaining it does not recognize nominations submitted by the Palestinian delegation to UNESCO.
Lebanon’s Mount Amel Castles, a group of five medieval fortresses in the country’s south, were likewise granted World Heritage status and simultaneously listed as endangered.
Lebanese authorities said several of the castles remain inaccessible because of the ongoing Israeli military presence in parts of southern Lebanon, while continued regional conflict poses serious risks to their conservation.
UNESCO said emergency inscriptions are intended for heritage sites facing immediate threats from armed conflict, climate change or other crises requiring urgent international attention.
The committee also added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to both the World Heritage List and the Danger List.
Other sites newly classified as endangered include Ukraine’s ancient city of Tauric Chersonese and Suriname’s historic inner city of Paramaribo.
Beyond the conflict-affected sites, UNESCO approved a wide range of new cultural and natural landmarks worldwide.
They include the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, France; the Aqaba Marine Reserve in Jordan; Wadi Wurayah in the United Arab Emirates; the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in India; and historic sites in Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Tunisia, Italy and several other countries.
The 2026 additions comprise 19 cultural sites, five natural sites and one mixed property, reflecting UNESCO’s continuing efforts to preserve locations of outstanding cultural and environmental significance around the world.
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