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In a world filled with conformity Beirut stands out as a lasting contradiction. The city has seen it all – from the splendor of the Phoenicians to the fall of the Ottomans, from times of beauty and prosperity to times of hatred and destruction, from times of shambles to times of rebirth – Beirut stands today as one of the oldest, most well-used cities in the world.
Currently rebuilding after having been destroyed for the 7th time in its history, Beirut is a place of possibility. With its location in the Middle East, its multiethnic society and long history of liberalism the city is at a turning point – either enter the world system now or possibly never. However, it remains to be seen whether Beirutis are ready to take up the task of building a genuinely strong city; meaning not only solid infrastructure but also resilient inter-ethnic, inter-religious bonds.
The city is fascinating; blending a unique mix of people, cultures, languages and histories to tell a story all of its own. This site begins to tell that unique narrative and provides some possibilities for its next chapter.
Created April 2005, for Global Urbanization at Macalester College