The Lebanese government has recently ordered the demolition of Beirut’s Grain Silo after it has been destroyed by the Beirut blast.
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has been showing major concerns regarding this decision, suggesting that the Beirut Grain Silo should be categorized and protected as a national historic building.
According to ICOMOS, Beirut’s silo is “a monument of the remarkable modern heritage and engineering work” as well as “a significant place in the collective memory of the people of Lebanon and Beirut in particular”.
As such, it should be protected as part of Lebanon’s heritage and identity.
25 heritage experts have been thoroughly studying the Beirut grain silo since April in order to get it recognized as a protected national site because of its painful yet collective significance that Lebanese people share.
These experts have been calling for the government to reverse its decision and for the legalized recognition of the Grain Silo,
Along with ICOMOS, two specialized nonprofit organizations, Docomomo International
and Our World Heritage, have already stated that the Beirut Grain Silo should be preserved instead of being demolished.
As the Grain Silo holds major significance to Lebanese whose lives have drastically changed since August 4, 2020.
