Beirut

Beirut, Lebanon, Nov 2005: A video capturing some scenes from Beirut back in 2005. Beginning from entering the city from the north [Tripoli], to where I was staying near the former “Green Line“- the start point for the 2005 Beirut Marathon. The Green Line was a demarcation through central Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War [1975-1990]. It separated the […]

Qadisha

Lebanon, November 2005: Prior to traveling to the Middle East I had read William Dalrymple’s 1997 book “From the Holy Mountain: A Journey in the Shadow of Byzantium. It was in these pages that I’d first heard about the Qadisha valley. The mystery of the place intrigued me, so I was determined to visit it […]

The Sun Is In Our Eyes

Tripoli, Lebanon, Nov 2005: Tripoli is the largest city in northern Lebanon and the second-largest city in the country. Situated 85 kilometres (53 miles) north of the capital Beirut, old Tripoli dates back to at least the 14th century BCE. It is home to the largest fortress in Lebanon- the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles- […]

Amal

South Lebanon, 2005: Came across this man while driving around South Lebanon in late 2005. He was atop of the local Amal Billboard, changing the ragged Amal flags for new ones. His brother was one of the “martyrs’ featured in the mural. Thankfully he and his friends were ok with me taking photos, after the […]

Baalbek

Baalbek, Lebanon, Nov 2005: Baalbek- situated in the Beqaa Valley 85 km northeast of Beirut- contains some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Lebanon. Known as Heliopolis during Roman rule, it had one of the largest sanctuaries in the whole of the Roman empire.The history of settlement in the area of Baalbek dates back about […]

Beaufort

Beaufort Castle, Lebanon, November 2005: The Crusader fortress of Beaufort Castle- constructed in the 12th century- has been the focus for countless battles and the home of many occupiers over the centuries… Beaufort (French for “beautiful fortress”) sits atop a 300 meter cliff which declines steeply to the Litani River. Its commanding location, with views […]

Cedars of God

Bcharre, Lebanon, Nov 2005: One of the few remaining groves of Cedar trees (Lebanon’s national symbol) are on Mount Makmel near the town of Bcharre. One of the trees has been carved with religious icons such as the crucifixion of Jesus. Bcharre’ most famous son is Lebanese-American artist, poet and writer Khalil Gibran, born here […]

Holiday In Beirut

Beirut, Lebanon, November 2005: While holidaying in Beirut in 2005- my first venture downtown inevitably ended under the towering, war ravaged hulk of the Holiday Inn… The Holiday Inn was just one of the many hotels that became infamous during the conflict known as the Battle of the Hotels or (Front des Hotels)– a brutal […]

Narguileh

Sidon, South Lebanon, 2005: A Narguileh goes by many names; Hookahs, Narghile, Shishas, Chillum, Argilah, Nargeela…bongs! … Its variations and use spread from India and Nepal, through to Persia and the Middle East; North Africa, Turkey, Greece, the Balkans; Spain.. the USA… Canon EOS D30/Sigma 17-35