Lebanon's Streets & Buildings: Before Revolution, During Revolution

It's been eight days and the Lebanese are not giving up, not this time. They have been gathering on roads in several cities across the country to protest corruption since Oct.17. They are demanding concrete change for once. They are not mincing words, rather they are screaming their anger, frustration, and demands at the top of their lungs. They are not giving way to sectarianism in a country that has already suffered enough from it. They are uniting against the political elites, even in cities where political affiliation is incredibly high. 

The protests have been described as the largest in 14 years when Lebanon's then-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was assassinated. But, there's something different about the 2019 demonstrations. The union of the people is unmatched, the call for change is persistent. Hundreds of thousands of people have filled abandoned buildings, lonely statues, and streets across the country. Roads are jam-packed with people, not cars for a change. 

Here are some before-and-during revolution images that flaunt the energy of the people: 

*All photos on the left were taken during the recent protests.

On Saturday night, a video of a DJ-hosted party in the area went viral on social media. Some described it as a "revolution turned rave" while others referred to it as a Tomorrowland replica.  

After years of delay, the Jal El-Dib bridge finally opened to the public in March 2019, though construction work in the area continued for a month after that. The construction and opening of the bridge were meant to reduce traffic jams in the area, but the complaints haven't gone away. The bridge proved to be of no use in terms of traffic reduction, but it was finally put to use during the recent and ongoing demonstrations. 

Aishti, which could easily be described as the home of the elite, finally saw people of all backgrounds gather on the outskirts of its shop. 

The eponymous statue located in Riad El Solh Square is designed by Italian Renato Marino Mazzacurati. The statue is rarely ever accompanied by people, but that was not the case during the protests. 

The energy on Martyrs' Square is like nothing you've seen before. 

Aerial photos of the area reveal just how committed people are to disrupting and dismantling the system. 

People even screened a Lebanese movie inside the abandoned dome this week. 

"We're watching a Lebanese movie inside The Egg, and a coffee guy is wandering around the theater clinking his cups to sell to the audience. Not only are we reclaiming public space, but also cultural identity and stolen history. Change is here," one Twitter user wrote. 

It was eventually closed off by security officials with metal barriers.