Activists unite to fight for Beirut's heritage

Beirut activists are coming together to help save two of the most important public heritage sites in the city, now threatened by private investors. 

Speaking to StepFeed, Sarah Lily Yassine, an urbanist and landscape architect from "The Civil Campaign to Protect the Dalieh of Raouche" explains that the group combined efforts with "Save Beirut Heritage" to launch the upcoming "Dalieh of Raouche and Heneine Palace Watch Day." 

The initiative will be taking place during Lebanon’s Heritage Week from May 18-21 and kicks-off with a press conference on Thursday at 4 p.m. at Antwork. 

It aims to inspire "citizens to become active partners in the battle to save Beirut's heritage, inviting them to raise their voices against the market-led developments that are changing its character and identity."

Yassine also explains that the events aim to call on everyone in Lebanon to stand against the destruction of two of Beirut's most endangered heritage sites: Dalieh el Raouche and Heneine Palace in Zokak el Blatt. Adding that "both were recently placed on the World Monument Fund's 2016 Watch List for threatened international sites of unique value." 

This comes after activist campaigns brought international attention to a mega seafront project that was being planned for Dalieh el Raouche and the continued gentrification of Heneine Palace. 

The schedule includes exhibitions and film screenings in addition to many other cultural, environmental and educational events.

It features talks, public discussions, site-specific artistic interventions, school workshops, site visits, concerts, food markets and street fairs. 

Entrance to all events is free of charge and everyone is encouraged and invited to attend.