Revitalizing Beirut: Integrating Reconstruction and Community Renewal, The case of the Green Line

Abstract

Beirut lay in ruins following the Lebanese Civil War (1975 – 1990), yet amidst the rubble, Solidere brought hope to the community as it was given the enormous job of restoring and reviving Beirut's downtown. But under the surface of reconstruction was a complicated web of social, political, and economic forces that would determine the course of Beirut's post-war history. The Civil War's aftereffects are still seen, with destroyed homes, collapsed buildings, and poor infrastructure acting as memories of earlier unrest. To understand Beirut's post-war difficulties requires an understanding of the Green Line, a literal and symbolic division that split the city during the fighting. Its legacy still shapes Beirut's sociopolitical environment, sustaining differences and impeding attempts at reconciliation. Deeply ingrained wounds from the Civil War have encouraged distrust and animosity across different social groups, hindering progress and perpetuating marginalization cycles. Rebuilding without including affected populations makes already-existing tensions worse and makes it more difficult for the city to recover. This study uses comparative analysis to examine post-conflict reconstruction efforts, drawing comparisons with other conflict-ridden cities such as Berlin and Bosnia. The purpose of this research is to shed light on the difficulties associated with urban renewal following conflict and division by concentrating on the Beirut Central District and the Green Line. The goals of the study are to preserve cultural identity through community recovery and offer rebuilding plans.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Islamic Studies