Generali Building Beirut

Generali Building in the center of Beirut, Lebanon.

The historic Generali Building in Beirut's Central Business District has been restored to its full former glory.

The restoration project was executed by Beirut-based 4b Architects.

Beirut Souks

The souks are the ultimate shopping destination in Beirut's Central Business District. The Beirut Souks have been completely rebuilt by Solidaire,  a Lebanese development company. The company was founded by the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri who was assassinated on 14 March 2005.

Entry to the Beirut Souks from Fakhry Bey Street.

Contemporary Architecture in the Beirut Souks

Beirut Souks - the largest shopping complex in Lebanon.

Modern orange sculpture in the Beirut Souks in downtown Beirut.

Martyrs Square in Beirut, Lebanon

View of Martyrs' Square (Arabic: ساحة الشهداء‎ Sahet el Shouhada, French: Place des Martyrs) in the center of Beirut and Saifi Village in the background.

Martyrs' Square was actually known as Place des Canons back in the 19th century. At the time, Lebanon was part of the Ottoman Empire. In 1915, Lebanon suffered enormous food shortage as the Ottoman rulers confiscated food from the local population. Famine and plague spread throughout the country. As a result, more than a quarter of the Lebanon's population died, primarily Maronite Christians in Mount Lebanon. A revolt against the Ottomans broke out but it ended with the hanging of many Lebanese intellectuals and nationalists on 6 May 1916 in Place des Canons. In their honor, the square's name was changed to Martyrs' Square.

The memorial in Martyrs' Square is dedicated to the Lebanese nationalists killed by the Ottomans in World War I.

Baby Boys in the National Museum of Beirut

I shot these marble statues of baby boys in the National Museum of Beirut (Arabic: متحف بيروت الوطنيّ‎), the largest archeological museum in Lebanon. The marble statues date back to 5th century BC and were excavated on the site of the Eshmun Temple near the city of Sidon (Saida) in South Lebanon. The temple was dedicated to Eshmun, the Phoenician god of healing.

Statue of a boy holding a small object. National Museum of Beirut, Lebanon.

Place de l'Etoile in the Heart of Beirut

In my opinion, Place de l'Etoile (or Nejmeh Square in Arabic) is one of the most beautiful spots in the heart of Beirut's Central Business District. Place de l'Etoile is a pedestrian zone and there are several cafes and restaurants in the direct vicinity. The surrounding buildings are built of yellow stone in the Art Deco style. In the center of the square, stands the wonderful 1934 clock tower with a four-faced Rolex clock. It was a gift from the Lebanese-Brazilian emigre Michel Abed to the Lebanese government.

The clock tower in the center of Place de l'Etoile, Beirut.

Place de l'Etoile Beirut

Place de l'Etoile (or Nejmeh Square) is one of the most beautiful squares in the center of Beirut. The square has been completely restored after the end of the Civil War.

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.

Promenading in Beirut's Corniche

The Corniche in Beirut is about 5km long and stretches along the Mediterranean coastline.

The Beirut Corniche is a seaside promenade in Beirut's Central Business District. It is the place where you can come across people from all walks of life - Lebanese as well as an increasing number of Syrian refugees more recently.

The Corniche is also the perfect spot to enjoy really breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the snow capped peaks of Mount Lebanon.

Evening in Beirut

Evening in the Ramlet al-Baida beach and a MEA plane on its approach to Beirut Airport. MEA / AirLiban is Lebanon's flag carrier and one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East.

Beirut Raouché

Beirut Raouché (Arabic: الروشة،) is a residential and commercial area in Beirut, Lebanon. The area is known for its upscale apartment buildings and numerous hotels, restaurants and cafes.

The name Raouché possibly originates from the French word roche, meaning rock.

Pigeon Rocks Beirut

Pigeon Rocks - the iconic natural landmark of the Lebanese capital Beirut.

The Pigeon Rocks off the coast of Beirut Raouché.

Holiday Inn Beirut

The Holiday Inn Beirut is a reminder of the Lebanese Civil War. The hotel is located in the Minet-el-Hosn district of downtown Beirut. It was severely damaged during the Battle of the Hotels, an armed conflict between Christian and Muslim militias in the early stage of the Lebanese Civil War. Due to the substantial damage to the building and the high reconstruction costs, the Holiday Inn will be most probably destroyed in the near future.

Pigeons in Downtown Beirut

A girl feeding pigeons in downtown Beirut.

Evening in Zaitunay Bay

Evening in Zaitunay Bay.
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Camera: Sony Nex-7

Zaitunay Bay - Beirut, Lebanon




Zaitunay Bay - Beirut, Lebanon.

  Dusk falling down over Zaitunay bay in the center of the Lebanese capital Beirut. Some quite fancy yachts out there!