.JPG)
Culture
Starting in the 19th century, Beirut became a center for Arab nationalist thought and arguably, the most cosmopolitan city in the Middle East. Known as the most liberal of Arab capitals, Beirut provided a safe haven and a fast-paced, exciting lifestyle for Arabs who wanted to experience the Western world within the comfort of their native culture. As a result of long-standing ties with European states, Beirut adopted a thick veneer of Western culture and took great pride in being the “Paris of the Middle East.”
With the establishment of various educational institutions, Lebanon also became an intellectual center in the Arab world and the place of free press and entertainment. Although the outbreak of the Civil War in 1975 brought tourism, the economy and entertainment to a screeching halt, the universities and press in Beirut continued to operate and actually grew.
Following the end of the war, Beirutis quickly rebuilt the arts, culture and entertainment of the city. Today, the city is more than ever on its way to regaining its former intellectual and artistic glory. Over time the culture of Beirut has become, and continues to be, a hodge-podge of Western, Arab, Islamic, Christian and Eastern influences, with each one represented in the landscape and mindset of Beirutis.
Arts, Culture and Entertainment
Arts, Culture and Entertainment
Socializing, partying and going-out are huge parts of the average Beirutis life. In a post-conflict state where tensions still sometimes run high, Beirutis have learned to mask them through their fast-paced, exciting social scene. As much a place for partying all night, it is also a place to experience fine art and music.
Lebanon, increasing admired for its seven millennia of history, proudly displays their historic heritage in the Beirut National Museum. Built between 1930 and 1937, the building was quickly filled with the wealth of findings from archaeological excavations of the city. The National Foundation of Heritage entirely renovated the museum from 1995-1999 and the building is now a huge edifice built of ochre stone blocks and columns. The impressive collection spans from Prehistory to the Bronze Age, from the Hellenisitc period to the Roman period, from the Byzantine era to the Mamluk time – illustrating the long and diverse history of the city.
La Maison Tarazi was founded in 1862 and is one of the most prestigious Oriental Art producers and procurers in the Middle East. The work of La Maison Michel E. Tarazi & Sons is in high demand throughout the Arab world and around the globe and their amazing work is open to the public for viewing.
A museum of modern art named after its location (Sursock Quarter) in Achrafiyeh. Along with its permanent collection, Sursock holds regular exhibitions of paintings, sculpture and other art forms.
.jpg)
Along with their role as intellectual institutions in the city, the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese-American University are common venues for local artists and events.
The last operating Bath in Lebanon, Al-Nouzha Bath, is located in Bastsa Tahta and offers a present-day glimpse into historic Beirut. While not operated in the traditional style, the relaxation and scrub-down are as authentic as it gets.
The long history of Beirut with its many rulers has left a multi-textured landscape including mosques, christian churches, jewish temples, roman baths, Crusader citadels and everything in between. Recent excavations continue to find more and more, but what follows is a short list of things to see.
Roman and Byzantine Structures
Group of Five Columns These columns found on the left of the St. George Maronite Cathedral, were once part of a grand colonnade of Roman Berytus. They were found in 1963
Roman Exedra Discovered west of the St. George Maronite Cathedral, this semi-circular cultural building was moved in 1963 to Blvd. Charles Helou near the eastern entrance to
the modern port.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.
Roman BathFour 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.Crusaders, Mamluk and Ottoman Structures
Medieval wall An excavated wall dating from Crusader and Mamluke times can be seen north of Weygand Street along the old Patriarch Howayyek street.
Crusader Castle A large Crusader land castle once stood near the present port area. Excavations in 1995 revealed a large well-preserved section of the foundation wall complete with Roman column drums used as bond-stones or reinforcements.
The Grand Serail Constructed in 1853, as an ottoman military barracks, this building was the headquarters of the French governor during the French Mandate. After Lebanon's Independence, it became the Governmental Palace.
Ottoman Clock Tower
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.
Churches, Mosques and Religious Sites
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.
St. George Cathedral
The Maronite Cathedral of Saint George Built in 1888, the style of this church is neo-classical.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.
The Grand Mosque of Beirut
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 MosqueThis mosque was constructed in the mid-19th century and named after the Ottoman Sultan Abdul-Majid I (1839-1861).
.jpg)
