OUR PROJECTS

On August 18, 2025, the Patrimoine Tripoli – Liban association hosted an exceptional event on Abdul Wahab Island, off the coast of El Mina – Tripoli, under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Fayez Rasamny, Minister of Public Works and Transport of Lebanon, and collaboration with El Mina Municipality. This evening, which blended culture, music, gastronomy, and awareness, aimed to place this iconic island back at the heart of collective memory and draw attention to its deteriorated condition due to neglect and the urgent need for its rehabilitation. Additionally, this evening aimed to raise funds to restore Dar Fatima, a historic house located adjacent to the goldsmiths’ market in the heart of Tripoli’s old souks.

In his speech, Mr. Fayez Rasamny highlighted the importance of Tripoli and the North for Lebanon, adding that "the government's goal is to achieve balanced development across all Lebanese regions, especially in the North, which possesses significant potential and capabilities for growth. With this development, job opportunities increase and people's living conditions improve — and this is precisely the government's goal: to focus on real action rather than just words.

In her opening speech, Mrs. Joumana Chahal Timery, President of Patrimoine Tripoli Liban association, declared: “Our goal at the Patrimoine Tripoli – Liban association is to implement sustainable development projects that put Tripoli on the national map. This is to highlight its historical and cultural value, as well as its tourism and economic potential.”

Located just two hundred meters from the shoreline, Abdul Wahab Island covers an area of approximately 500 to 600 square meters and bears a unique place in Tripoli’s history and maritime landscape. Locally known as “Cow Island” due to the dugongs that once inhabited its waters, it served for centuries as a site for shipbuilding and repairs, entrusted to the Abdel Wahab family, from whom it draws its current name. This traditional activity helped shape the city’s maritime identity, closely tied to its fishermen, craftsmen, and shipyards.

The island still retains remarkable historical remains, including the ruins of Saint Thomas Monastery, dating back to the Crusader period. This architectural heritage, combined with a rich and fragile biodiversity, gives the site historical, cultural, and environmental significance. Rocks, rare wild plants, endangered sea turtles, and migratory birds make it a precious ecosystem — a true microcosm of Lebanon’s coastline. Located near El Mina’s long Corniche, it could become a beacon destination for walking, ecological discovery, and cultural activities, integrated into the daily life of residents.

However, since the last intervention in 2015 — which included the construction of the pedestrian bridge, the creation of pathways, and the planting of green spaces — no significant maintenance or restoration has been carried out. Today, signs of decline are evident: missing portions of the bridge make access hazardous, accumulation of waste, and unregulated stalls distort the natural landscape and diminish the site’s value. In light of this situation, Patrimoine Tripoli – Liban aimed to make the August 18 event a moment of collective mobilization, bringing together the local community, authorities, and visitors with a shared goal: to safeguard and enhance Abdul Wahab Island, and to secure funds to renovate Dar Fatima, transforming it into a vibrant venue for future cultural events.

The evening transformed the island into a welcoming space, faithful to its heritage identity. Guests enjoyed a charity dinner inspired by the warm hospitality and authentic flavors of Tripoli’s traditional homes. An open-air concert with a sound and lighting setup designed to highlight the island’s silhouette and natural setting is part of the program for the evening.

Beyond its festive dimension, this initiative carries a deeply civic and cultural mission. It seeks to revive the connection between the community and its maritime heritage, affirm the importance of preserving such sites within a sustainable development framework, and encourage their integration into the cultural and tourist life of the city. With proper restoration and responsible management, Abdul Wahab Island could become an open and accessible space — a symbol of preservation, eco-tourism, and heritage transmission.

Since its creation in Paris in 2009, Patrimoine Tripoli – Liban has been dedicated to protecting and promoting the city’s tangible and intangible heritage. The association leads restoration projects, organizes training workshops in traditional crafts, and raises public awareness about the value of heritage. Adopting a participatory approach directly involves residents, fosters a sense of ownership, and places heritage at the heart of Tripoli’s social and economic development. It has earned both local and international recognition for its initiatives, collaborating with prestigious institutions such as the Arab World Institute in Paris, the French Senate, the Regional Council of Île-de-France, and various Lebanese ministries of Culture, Tourism, and Education.

The August 18 event fully embodied this vision, combining culture, engagement, and sharing, and reminded us that heritage is a common good that can only endure through the interest and involvement of all.