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The Heart of Beirut: Reclaiming the Bourj by Samir Khalaf is a book available to read on EtoBox.

What is The Heart of Beirut: Reclaiming the Bourj about?

The Bourj in central Beirut is one of the worlds oldest and most vibrant public squares. Named after the mediaeval lookout tower that once soared above the citys imposing ramparts, the square has also been known as Place des Canons (after a Russian artillery build-up in 1773) and Martyrs Square (after the Ottoman execution of nationalists in 1916). As an open museum of civilizations, it resonates with influences from ancient Phoenician to colonial, post-colonial and, as of late, postmodern elements. Over the centuries it has come to embody pluralism and tolerance. During the Lebanese civil war (197590), this ebullient entertainment district, transport hub and melting-pot of cultures was ruptured by the notorious Green Line, which split the city into belligerent warring factions. Fractious infighting and punishing Israeli air raids compounded the damage, turning the Bourj into a no-mans-land. In the wake of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariris assassination (14 February 2005), the Bourj witnessed extraordinary scenes of popular, multi-faith and cross-generational protest. Once again, Samir Khalaf argues, the heart of Beirut was poised to re-invent itself as an open space in which

Author

Samir Khalaf

Publisher

Saqi Books

Published

2006

Language

EN

ISBN

9780863565427

Subjects

Anthropology, History, Sociology

Rating

3.38 / 5 (8 ratings)

Updated

2026-03-13