Palestine celebrates the inclusion of Sebastia on the World Heritage List

Bethlehem - Ofoq News - The State of Palestine celebrated the inclusion of the archaeological site in Sebastia on the World Heritage List, in a national and historical achievement that reflects the importance of Palestinian efforts in protecting and preserving cultural and human heritage, and enhancing the Palestinian presence on the international scene.

The celebration took place at the archaeological site of Sebastia, in the presence of the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, the Mayor of Sebastia, Mr. Muhammad Azem, the Deputy Governor of Nablus, Colonel Abdullah Al-Asali, the Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, Dr. Jihad Ramadan, and the Director of the Tourism and Antiquities Police Department, Brigadier General Abdul Hakim Abu Al-Rub, in addition to a crowd of national and local figures and the people of the town of Sebastia.

The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, stressed the importance of the success of the Palestinian national efforts to include Sebastia on the World Heritage List, noting that this achievement would enhance the site’s historical and humanitarian status, and support efforts aimed at protecting and preserving it from the dangers and challenges it faces, most notably the Israeli occupation measures.

Al-Hayek said that this achievement “is not just an international recognition of the importance of an archaeological site, but rather a victory for the Palestinian national identity, an affirmation of the authenticity of our civilizational roots, the depth of our historical extension, and the right of our Palestinian people to protect, preserve and preserve their cultural and human heritage for future generations.”

Al-Hayek addressed the people of Sebastia, saying that this achievement is their achievement as much as it is an achievement for all of Palestine, as they are the ones who live among the evidence and landmarks of history, carry the trust of this ancient site, and preserve its identity and memory despite the challenges. He added that protecting heritage is not limited to preserving stones and archaeological monuments, but rather begins with the human being who belongs to the place, preserves it, and transmits his story to future generations.

Al-Hayek stressed that the responsibility of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities does not end with registering the site on the World Heritage List, but rather begins with it a new phase of joint work to protect, develop and enhance its tourism presence, in a way that contributes to achieving sustainable tourism development. He stressed that Sebastia today enjoys international recognition for its historical and humanitarian status, which is the result of continuous national efforts, the will of a people committed to their land and identity, and the steadfastness of a local community that realizes the value of its unique cultural heritage.

Al-Hayek extended thanks and appreciation to all partners who contributed to the success of the file for including Sebastia on the World Heritage List, stressing that Palestine in general and Sebastia in particular deserve to make all necessary efforts to protect, preserve and preserve heritage.

For his part, the Mayor of Sebastia, Mr. Mohamed Azem, praised the great efforts led by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, headed by Minister Hani Al-Hayek, to achieve this achievement, stressing that Sebastia deserves this international recognition because of its exceptional historical and cultural value. He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to all partners who contributed to the success of the listing process, stressing the importance of continuing cooperation to protect and develop the site and enhance its tourist presence.

Deputy Governor of Nablus, Colonel Abdullah Al-Asali, praised the great efforts and great achievement achieved for Sebastia, stressing the continuation of concerted efforts to develop Sebastia touristically and archaeologically and to make it an important stop for tourists and visitors coming to visit Nablus Governorate.