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Achrafieh (Arabic: الأشرفية) is one of the oldest districts of Beirut, Lebanon.
Overview
Achrafieh is located in eastern Beirut. It is the name of a district and a sector, or neighbourhood, within that district. It is essentially a residential area characterized by narrow winding streets, coffee shops and prestigious large apartment and office buildings. It is a prime location for investment and tourism.
Prominent locations and popular sights in the area include: Sassine Square, an important political, social and commercial focal points of the Lebanese capital; St Nicolas (where important buildings include the Sursock House, Sursock Museum, the Sofil Center and the Ivory building); and Tabaris Square/ Abdel Wahab (among its important buildings: 812 Tabaris, Achrafieh Tower, Yared buildings, Metropolis, L'Hermitage, Sight II, Achrafieh Heights, Fayad Buildings, Fal Towers, Gebeily Building, Asmar Buildings, Samaha Buildings, Jardins de Tabaris, Saab Buildings, Tilal Beirut).
During Lebanon's 1975-1990 Civil War, a substantial portion of Achrafieh's architectural heritage was wiped out. Even now, and despite efforts by non-profit organisations, demolition teams continue to tear down old houses and bulldoze hundred-year-old gardens in Achrafieh and surrounding neighbourhoods in east as well as west Beirut to make way for new towers. Modern skyscrapers are replacing these old mansions, overshadowing the few heritage sites left.
Sodeco Square in Achrafieh's Nasra (Nazareth) neighbourhood is home to Lebanon's tallest tower, Sama Beirut.
A new bill however was passed in 2017 by the Lebanese government to protect heritage sites around the city, marking a historical turning point for activists who have pressed for legislative action since the end of the war.
During the Lebanese Civil War Achrafieh became a major strategic base for Christian forces. Large numbers of Lebanese Forces militiamen were stationed there, led by former Lebanese president Bachir Gemayel, and as such formed part of Christian East Beirut.
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Education
Schools and universities:
- Universite Saint Joseph de Beyrouth
- Grand Lycée Franco-Libanais[1]
- Collège de la Sagesse
- Greater Beirut Evangelical School[2]
- American University of Science and Technology
- University of Balamand, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Notable People from Achrafieh
- Bachir Gemayel, former Lebanese president, born in Achrafieh
- Michel Sassine, Prominent Lebanese politician, MP for the district of Beirut for 24 years (1968-1992)
- Gebran Tueini, former editor and publisher of the daily paper An-Nahar
- Khaled Mouzanar, world renowned composer
- Joe Kodeih, writer, actor and director
- Nancy Ajram, singer
- Samir Assaf, CEO of HSBC Global Banking & Markets
- Paula Yacoubian, Parliament member
Notable Neighbourhoods and Streets
- Sassine Square
- Rue Monot
- Rue Abdel Wahab El Inglizi
- Sioufi
- Sursock
- Escalier de l'Art
- Rue Huvelin
- Sodeco Square
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See also
- Badaro
- Beirut Central District
- Grand Lycée Franco-Libanais
- Hekmeh BC
- Collège de la Sagesse
- Racing Beirut
- Hekmeh FC
References
- ^ Home page. Grand Lycée Franco-Libanais. Retrieved on December 13, 2016. "Rue Beni Assaf B.P. 165-636 Achrafieh 1100 2060 - Beyrouth"
- ^ Home page
External links
- SOUWAR.com
- Ikamalebanon.com
- Lebanonatlas.com
- Article on the history of Ashrafieh and how it evolved through time - Interview with Former Ashrafieh MP Michel Sassine (December 2011): https://www.scribd.com/doc/77669439/Interview-on-the-History-of-Achrafieh-with-HE-Michel-Sassine-Dec-2011