The document summarizes the evolution of Beirut from a regional economic node to a war-torn city and its reconstruction efforts. It discusses how Beirut transformed from a small port town in the 1800s to Lebanon's capital and a center for finance, tourism and culture by the 1950s-70s due to infrastructure development. However, waves of refugees and conflict led to its decline starting in 1975 during the civil war. The fighting destroyed infrastructure like the airport and port. Reconstruction began in 1991 under Solidere to rebuild Beirut as a global city center again, but faced challenges from political instability and violence.

1. Architecture in the Middle East 0690-421 – Fall 2009 Dr. Yasser Mahgoub

6. Port CBD Airport

8. Port CBD Airport

24. Waves of Migration *United Nations Relief and Work Agency

28. Stop Here

36. CBD was now effectively dead

45. Part III The Reworking of a Globalizing City Centre 1991 to date Solidere, The Lebanese Company for the Development and Reconstruction of Beirut Central District s.a.l., was incorporated as a Lebanese joint-stock company on May 5, 1994.

57. Thank you

60. Known as the "Cultural Capital of the Arab World," "Paris of the East," and "The City of Lights,"

61. Sites http://www.macalester.edu/courses/geog61/jmhamilton/