We're joined by Roderick Sursock for Episode 14 of The Beirut Banyan, and we discuss the Sursock family's legacy and story, particularly when it comes to Beirut's rapidly changing urban landscape.

Roderick and his mother, Lady Yvonne Sursock Cochrane, are living memory of a vastly different Beirut. Roderick shares his childhood growing up in the palace, what took him away from Lebanon and a determination to return even during the worst years of fighting. He firmly believes in holding on to what he's inheriting and refuses to sell, determined to keep a part of Lebanon's architectural history physically present for future generations to come.

Roderick shares his personal views on why Lebanon's political and economic landscape remains bleak, and potential remedies that could help preserve some of Beirut's once famous urban charm.

Walk down the main street of Sursock Quarter and take a moment to gaze at the Weeping Women statue that once stood in Martyrs Square, now placed in front of Sursock Museum. And reach the end of the street and turn left, to see Sursock Palace in all its glory and reflect on a vastly different time in Beirut's history.

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Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.