The Heart of Beirut: Reclaiming the Bourj - Couverture souple

Khalaf, Samir

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 0863565425 ISBN 13 : 9780863565427

Editeur : Saqi Books, 2006

Synopsis

The Bourj in central Beirut is one of the world's oldest and most vibrant public squares. Named after the mediaeval lookout tower that once soared above the city's 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 (1975 90), 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-man's-land.

In the wake of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri's 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 diverse groups can celebrate their differences without indifference to the other. By revisiting earlier episodes in the Bourj's numerous transformations of its collective identity, Khalaf explores prospects for neutralizing the disheartening symptoms of reawakened religiosity and commodified consumerism.

A propos du livre

À propos de l'auteur

Samir Khalaf is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for Behavioral Research at the American University of Beirut. He has held academic appointments at Princeton, Harvard, MIT and New York University. He is the author of numerous books including Beirut Reclaimed and Global and Local Encounters in the Middle East (also published by Saqi).

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Saqi Books
• Date d'édition: 2006
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0863565425
• ISBN 13: 9780863565427
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 277
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible