Beirut: Minister of Culture, Ghassan Salam©, on Friday emphasized the importance of Lebanese citizens not only appreciating their country's antiquities but also recognizing them as integral to their national identity. Salam©'s remarks were made during Museum Night 2026 in front of the National Museum, following his tour of the galleries, accompanied by Minister of Social Affairs Hanine El Sayyed, Director General of Antiquities Engineer Sarkis Khoury, and a large audience from across Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Salam© expressed his delight at witnessing the significant turnout, stating, "I am overjoyed to see tens of thousands of our citizens exploring the museums of this country, from the far north to the south, including the capital Beirut and the National Museum."
Salam© highlighted the multifaceted role of archaeology, noting its aesthetic appeal, its contribution to accurate historical documentation, and the sense of ownership it should instill among the Lebanese people. He emphasized Lebanon's rich archaeological heritage, with over 9,000 sites, spanning from the Paleolithic Age to the Ottoman era, and urged citizens to see these layers of history as part of their collective identity.
Addressing questions about the event's popularity, Salam© remarked on the Lebanese people's resilience, stating, "The Lebanese love life and face challenges by holding onto their identity and courage."
Regarding efforts to protect archaeological sites in southern Lebanon, Salam© detailed the government's actions, including increasing the number of protected sites to 73 and advocating for the inclusion of Tyre's antiquities on the list of threatened heritage sites.
Salam© also mentioned ongoing efforts to have UNESCO recognize the castles of Jabal Amel on the World Heritage List, emphasizing the importance of international awareness and support for Lebanon's archaeological heritage.
In his closing remarks, Salam© encouraged continuous engagement with museums and extended his gratitude to universities, private museums, the European Union, and the Internal Security Forces for their contributions to the success of Museum Night.