Named for its concrete Brutalist shape, it symbolized the lost optimism of the early s. But in October it was taken over as part of the thawra revolution street protests against government corruption.
Used for activism teach-ins, it now stands covered with bright graffiti, echoing the brilliant potential of Lebanon's youth. Indeed, Beirut has some of the most vibrant street artists in the region, and if we had time I'd take you on a walking tour to tell you the stories behind some of the best.
We'll look out for pieces by Yazan Halwani, whose giant portraits of Lebanese icons are surrounded by soft clouds of Arabic calligraphy. My favorite, however, is the enormous mural of an astronaut planting the Lebanese flag on the moon while eating a slice of manakeesh a baked flatbread with olive oil and a spice mixture called za'atar — a cheeky nod to the urban myth that Neil Armstrong was secretly Lebanese himself.
Finally, as we look out across Martyr's Square, and its twin monuments to both Lebanese independence from the Ottomans and the thawra movement a hundred years later, I'd tell you about the joyful sea of flags that flooded the city that October month last year, and the streams of families walking below our apartment's balcony to be part of the great unifying Lebanese spirit.
I'd point out the site of the community kitchens, the DJ sound systems, and the stand where kids could get their faces painted with the Lebanese flag. I'd tell you about the great coming together of all of Lebanon's diverse communities — and remember that that strong sense of national identity is the foundation on which Beirut's recovery will be built.
With concerts canceled, artists go online to connect with audiences Can travel cure bias? Travel's new threat is undertourism. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter. Why I love Beirut.
Compared to the highly regulated, organized and rigid way of living where I live, Lebanon is fluid, natural and beautiful to the senses and more natural spirit of a human. Less reliance on goverment and agencies, more faith in family and neighbors. Its a beautiful thing. Thanks for your thoughts Christine, what you describe rings very true and certainly can be a beautiful thing. Wonderful Felipe, you are going to love it!
Learning Arabic is on my list as well, such a beautiful language. Hi Daniel, thanks for your question, but this is a very hard answer to give without knowing more details! Your article on Lebanon is so generic and seemed to me as though you just were a frustrated blogger there. Too lazy to learn Arabic or French before thinking of living there.
I grew up in that beautiful country speaking four languages. It used to be called the suisse of the Middle East. Why did you not describe your fascination about Baalbek Byblos tyre the cedars faraya laklouk chateau Beaumont or the incredible number of rivers you can relax and have picnics by. Good luck on your next blogs. I truly feel in love with Lebanon and all it has to offer, which is why I decided to live there.
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Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie backpacks the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile More from this author. February 11, at pm. Steph says:. February 13, at pm.
Diala Aksamawati says:. March 16, at am. March 17, at pm. Christine says:. A renewed constitution as a prelude to fresh, trustworthy faces in the Cabinet and parliament will open the door to mega-investments so grand that Lebanon will only need short-term loans to begin reconstructing infrastructure and rebuilding its.
Financial support from foreign nations is necessary at this juncture, but it is just a temporary respite. Unless the system and those who have been profiting from it for decades are changed, Lebanon could find itself struggling alone. I strongly believe that the people are hungry for change; their patience has run dry and the powers that be understand that. I am certain that, once the first rung of this ladder is climbed in the form of a revised constitution and new elections, whichever comes first, the whole world will stand with Lebanon.
We must all assist the country in resurrecting itself as one nation united under the cedar flag. I cannot wait for the day when my beloved Lebanon gets back on to a firm footing, enabling its brightest and best to shine. In that case, we on the outside looking in should prepare to be astonished.
My gut feeling tells me the good days are yet to come, but come they will… and soon. He is renowned for his views on international political affairs, his philanthropic activity and his efforts to promote peace.
He has long acted as an unofficial ambassador for his country abroad. Twitter: KhalafAlHabtoor. Subscribe Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content. Subscribe Now.
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