We're joined by Professor Samir Khalaf for Episode 50 of The Beirut Banyan, and we discuss Martyrs Square and the role of the 'Bourj' in modern Beirut's story.

Professor Khalaf offers his perspective on the central problems with post-civil war urban planning and why Beirut did not reemerge the way many designers and architects had hoped. He also shares his childhood memories of Ras Beirut and a reflection of academia in Lebanon over the past seven decades.

The books he authored mentioned during the episode are: 'Civil and Uncivil Violence in Lebanon'; 'Lebanon Adrift: From Battleground to Playground'; and 'The Heart of Beirut: Reclaiming the Bourj'.

The book Professor Khalaf refers to of his home in pre-civil war Beirut is 'Beirut Reborn: The Restoration and Development of the Central District' by Angus Gavin.

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Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.