Beirut's Memory [Hardcover]

Ayman Trawi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2003

By Ayman Trawi (Photographer) The book "Beirut's Memory" by Ayman Trawi, the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri's personal photographer, envisions the sharp contrast created after the reconstruction of downtown Beirut. A gallery of photos portrays the war ruins of buildings in the heart of the city and the renovated versions of the same structures leaving the viewer with great awe and a sigh of contemplation of what has been and what has become. The book is a record of the detailed reconstruction projects undertaken after the end of the Lebanese civil war. It reveals the amazing efforts made to change a practically demolished area into first-class investment locations that attract the world's most renowned corporations, restaurant chains, banks, and institutions. The photos in the book clearly and genuinely capture the Lebanese culture as it pictures the ruined mosques and churches standing side by side and their lively renovated structures reflecting the authentic Lebanese cultural makeup. As the public set foot again in Beirut downtown area, they could not but shed some tears when they recalled the days when they used to hide among those walls from bombs. However, they are now enjoying a peaceful walk between those awesome and promising structures, and looking at the photo exhibit organized concurrently with the publication of Trawi's book in the downtown area, showing what used to be not so long ago. Language(s): English, French, and Arabic ISBN: N/A 2003, Hardcover, 304 pages, 21 x 27 cm

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Language: English
• ASIN: B000C0L2Y6
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,496,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Travel > Middle East > Lebanon

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is it!, June 21, 2006

By 

Sami S. Shehadeh "streetrader" (Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beirut's Memory (Hardcover)

I received the book in a couple of days. This is a truly amazing pictoral journey of the transformation of Beirut by Mr. Hariri. The qulaity of the paper, clarity of the pictures and a brief history of the rebuilding is outstanding. Hundreds of before and after pictures of just about every building from practically the same angle is maticulously documented. I strongly recommend this book and this seller. Thank you Mr. Antoine!! Thank you Mr. Trawi and to Mr. Hariri an eternal thanks..May you rest in peace.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, December 27, 2009

By 

Ghida Kaddah "BookWorm" (Beirut) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beirut's Memory (Hardcover)

This is an astounding photographic journey from down town Beirut's yesteryears to date. On one side we have a photo of a destroyed building or alley, on the other, the alley or building as it stands now, rebuilt and reborn. Like the phoenix risen from its own ashes, so is Down town Beirut, and this is what this book illustrates. It shows the saga of one man's dream...Rafik Hariri's determination and strength that rebuilt this ancient city. Ayman Trawi is an amazing photographer, and this is clear from his meticulous work. It is also worth mentioning that this book has been awarded the Guinness award for the world's largest book ever- a replica of this book (304 pages that are 3.85 meters wide and 2.77 meters tall weighing in at 1060 kgs) has been awarded this prestigious award this year. I strongly recommend this book for everyone, as it is a beautiful reminder of the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity and to rebuild, a reminder that even in the darkest hour man can and will persevere.

5.0 out of 5 stars Changing the face of History, October 16, 2009

By 

M. Hachem - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beirut's Memory (Hardcover)

This is a great book that shows how strong determination by a person who loves his country can change the face of history. The Author/Photographer did a remarkable job of showing the transformation of Beirut -That witnessed a devastating 17 year old war- from the Stone Ages to the Paris of the middle east. I don't think that words can describe this effort, but as they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Thank you Mr. Hariri, and may you rest in peace!