Today, we estimate the number to be close to 300 remaining standing structures. With the Ministry of Culture, we helped review 250 demolition permits and stopped the demolition of 150 buildings that were set for demolition in the past year alone. So in the past year, we would have lost almost a quarter of the remaining architectural heritage of Beirut. The only thing that can save Beirut today is
a genuine popular awakening; something that failed to happen in the 1990’s. We hope that Save Beirut Heritage can become a center around which those who are grieving the death of Beautiful Beirut can gravitate and find comfort. While our lobbying action has been quite efficient, the pace of demolition has become ferocious. We are afraid that soon, speculation and greed will take over the last standing institutions that are trying to defend our shared history. There are virtually no laws that specifically protect old buildings. There is only an ill-adapted law that targets antiquities. This law dates from the French mandate and hasn’t been updated in over 80 years. There is also a ministerial decree that states that every demolition permit must be cosigned by the ministry of culture. Therefore giving power to the ministry to stop the demolition of traditional homes. But there is nothing that can guarantee the long-term survival of the few remaining traditional homes in Beirut except the tenacity and will of its inhabitants. Furthermore, the demolition of old buildings is currently illegal. if you see anything urgent, You can also reach us 24/7 on our own hotline on 71411883. We also encourage everyone to photograph and film any vandalism act they see in addition to reporting it. Also, send your photos of endangered homes to [email protected] or send us a message on the page. Things can and will be done!
