The Old Beirut Souks

Remains of the old souks in downtown Beirut.

During the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), most of the fighting between the various militias took place in downtown Beirut. As a result, the old souks in the heart of the city were badly damaged and virtually left in ruins.

After the end of the Lebanese Civil War, the development company Solidaire has revamped most of Beirut's city center. Solidaire has received much criticism for turning downtown Beirut into an enormous shopping mall, which has very little to do with the original, pre-war downtown Beirut.

The picture on the left shows one of the few original buildings, remaining from the old Beirut Souks.