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Beirut
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| In the ruined City
Center, a huge reconstruction project is underway to create a new
commercial and residential district for the 21st century. Commerce is
second nature to Beirut is, who long ago discovered that their port city
on the East-West cross-roads was ideally placed for trading and business
all kinds. A banking center with free currency ex-change, the chief
employment here is in trade, banking, construction, import-export and
service industries. The Lebanese capital enjoys a vigorous press that publishes in Arabic, English, French and Armenian. Five Universities help keep ideas and innovations flowing. |
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| Historical Heritage Beirut stands on the site of a very ancient settlement going back at least 5,000 years. Its name appeared in cuneiform inscriptions as early as the 14th century B.C. In the first century B.C., Berytus, as it was then called, became a Roman Colony and under Roman rule was the seat of a famous Law school which continued into the Byzantine era. But the power and the glory of Berytus were destroyed by a triple catastrophe of earthquake, tidal wave and fire in 551 A.D. In the following century Arab Muslim forces took the city and in 1110 it fell into the Crusaders. Beirut remained in Crusader hands until 1291 when it was conquered by the Mamlukes. Ottoman rule began in 1516, continuing for 400 years later until the defeat of the Turks in World War I. The French Mandate Period followed and in 1943 Lebanon gained its independence. Uncovering the Past |
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| Solidere, the private company taking on the challenge of this 25-years project, plans a modern infrastructure of roads utilities, public areas and marine works. More than half a million square meters of landfill will provide land for two marinas, a seaside promenade and a green park. | |||
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| S I G H T S A R O U N D B E I R U T | |||
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| Roman baths Behind Bank Street are the remains of the Roman bath which once served the city's population. Originally discovered in 1968-69, it underwent a thorough cleaning and further excavation in 1995 - 1997. Four corniced columns These columns in front of the Parliament Building in Nejmeh Square were discovered in 1968-69. Highly carved colonnade Found in the 1940's between Nejmeh Square and the Great mosque, this five column colonnade is part of the Roman basilica. The columns were later erected across from the National museum on Damascus Street. Floor Mosaics These mosaics came from a Byzantine church of the 5th century A.D. They were moved from Khalde south of Beirut to a site near the National Museum in the 1950's. |
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| Ottoman Clock Tower Located near the Grand Serail, this tower was built in 1897 and restored in 1994. Ottoman Military Hospital Just in front of the Grand Serail, this large building was constructed in 1860 as a military hospital. From the French Mandate Period until the 1960's it served as Law Courts. Completely renovated, it now houses the Council for Development and Reconstruction. Al-Omari Mosque Originally the Crusader Cathedral of St. John (1113 - 1115 A.D.), the building was transformed into the city's Grand Mosque by the Mamlukes in 1291. Zawiyat Ibn al-'Arraq Built in 1517 by Mohammed Ibn al-'Arraq ad-Dimashqi, this building was originally an Islamic law school and continued as an Islamic sanctuary into late Ottoman times. It was rediscovered during the post-war clean-up process in 1991. Amir 'Assaf Mosque Also called Bab es-Saray Mosque, this was built by Emir Mansour 'Assaf (1572 - 1580) on the site of the Byzantine Church of the Holy Savior. Located opposite the Municipal Building. Amir munzer Mosque The Amir Munzer Mosque was built in 1620 on an earlier structure. Also called Naoufara (Foountain) Mosque, there are eight Roman columns in its courtyard. Majidjiyyeh Mosque This mosque was constructed in the mid-19th century and named after the Ottoman Sultan Abdul-Majid I (1839-1861). |
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| - Churches - The Greek-Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George Until the recent war in Lebanon this church, built in 1767, was the oldest functioning church in Beirut. The decorations on its walls were lost during the war. The Greek-Catholic cathedral of Saint Elias This mid-19th century church with it's vaulted interior was once decorated with a marble iconostasis. The Saint Louis Church of the Capucins Inaugurated in 1863, this church served the foreign community of the Latin rite in Beirut. The Evangelical Church This church was built in 1867 by a group of Evangelical Anglo-American missionaries. The Maronite Cathedral of Saint George Built in 1888, the style of this church is neo-classical. |
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| Things To Do University campuses are common venue for cultural events form abroad as well as local productions. The American University of Beirut and Lebanese American University, with their lovely, park-like campuses are pleasant places to visit. Tours A number of tour companies provide a wide selection around Lebanon. |
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| You can sample
some of the trendiest places going or opt for super-sophisticated
night-clubs. The Casino du Liban, with its luxurious gaming rooms, is
another favorite.
Turkish Bath |
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| Shopping Name what you want and it is almost sure to be available in the shops and street markets of Beirut. Traditional crafts, high fashion, jewelry or everyday needs, all are easy to find. Most standard shopping can be done in the Mar Elias area, Hamra Street, Rashid Karamé Street (ex Verdun), Ashrafieh and Furn el-Shebback. Bargain hunters are urged to try Bourj Hammoud and Basta-Tahta.
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The
New York Times recommends Beirut as the first place to visit in 2009
