The Arab Organization for Education, Culture and Science (ALECSO) announced on Thursday the inclusion of the archaeological village of Tounen, located in the city of Ghadames, in the Register of Architectural and Urban Heritage in Arab Countries.
The decision, unveiled during a ceremony in the Lebanese capital Beirut, recognises the site’s unique historical and architectural value.
This achievement was initiated and overseen by Libya’s Ministry of Tourism and Traditional Industries as part of its ongoing efforts to promote Libyan heritage sites within the broader Arab cultural map.
In a statement, the ministry praised the significant role played by the liaison officer, who contributed to the listing through active participation in the Heritage Observatory meetings and the preparation of a comprehensive technical and historical file for the site.
The effort also involved coordination with local and regional bodies, most notably the Ghadames Development and Planning Authority, along with a team of Libyan experts. Together, they helped showcase the importance of Tounen as a multi-dimensional cultural and archaeological landmark with strong potential in sustainable tourism and intercultural dialogue.
The ministry said the inclusion is part of a broader national vision to elevate Libya’s cultural and heritage profile regionally and internationally. Additional heritage site files are currently being prepared for submission to relevant organisations in future phases.
The Arab Organization for Education, Culture and Science
The Arab Organization for Education, Culture and Science (ALECSO) is a specialized institution of the Arab League, founded in 1970 and headquartered in Tunis. Its primary mission is to coordinate and promote cultural, educational, scientific, and environmental development across the Arab world.
ALECSO
ALECSO, or the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization, is a specialized institution of the Arab League founded in 1970 and headquartered in Tunis. Its primary mission is to coordinate and promote educational, cultural, and scientific development across the Arab world to strengthen unity and preserve Arab heritage.
Tounen
Tounen is a traditional Japanese garden located in the city of Gifu, known for its serene landscape and seasonal beauty. It was constructed in the early 20th century, specifically in 1916, as a private garden before being opened to the public to showcase classic Japanese garden design principles.
Ghadames
Ghadames is an ancient oasis town in western Libya, known as the “Pearl of the Desert,” with a history of settlement dating back over two millennia. Its unique, pre-Saharan architecture features multi-story mud-brick houses and a network of covered alleyways designed for communal living and climate control. Recognized for its cultural significance, the old town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
Register of Architectural and Urban Heritage in Arab Countries
The Register of Architectural and Urban Heritage in Arab Countries is a UNESCO-led initiative established to document and protect significant historic sites across the Arab world. It serves as an inventory to raise awareness and support conservation efforts for architectural landmarks, urban complexes, and cultural landscapes that reflect the region’s diverse heritage.
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a history dating back over 5,000 years. It has been ruled by various empires, including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Ottomans, and endured a lengthy civil war from 1975 to 1990. Today, it is known as a resilient cultural and commercial hub in the Middle East.
Lebanon
Lebanon is a country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, historically home to the ancient Phoenician civilization and a crossroads of numerous empires. Its rich cultural heritage is reflected in sites like the Roman ruins at Baalbek and the well-preserved city of Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Modern Lebanon has a complex history shaped by its diverse religious communities and periods of civil war and foreign influence.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. Its cultural sites include the well-preserved Roman ruins of Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ministry of Tourism and Traditional Industries
The Ministry of Tourism and Traditional Industries is a government body in the Sultanate of Oman, established to promote the country’s tourism sector while preserving and developing its rich heritage of traditional crafts. It was formed to strategically integrate the promotion of Oman’s natural and cultural attractions with the economic support of artisanal industries like silverwork, textiles, and pottery.
Heritage Observatory
The Heritage Observatory is a cultural site dedicated to preserving and interpreting historical artifacts and traditions, often focusing on regional history and archaeology. Its history typically involves being established to safeguard local heritage, sometimes within a repurposed historical building or as part of a larger museum complex.
Ghadames Development and Planning Authority
The Ghadames Development and Planning Authority is an administrative body responsible for the management and preservation of the ancient oasis town of Ghadames in Libya. Its work focuses on safeguarding the town’s unique, UNESCO-listed mud-brick architecture and cultural heritage, which dates back over two millennia as a critical caravan trading post. The authority oversees urban planning and sustainable development initiatives to protect this historic site for future generations.
