A Brief History Of Beirut's Martyrs' Square

Lebanon has had a rocky political history. From colonialism to civil war and occupation, this small country has experienced a lot of strife for its size. If you travel around Lebanon, you’ll see numerous tributes to its past. Martyrs’ Square in Beirut is one of the most iconic.

Today a popular spot for protest and civil gathering, Martyrs’ Square in Downtown Beirut is an iconic landmark. Named in 1931, it was set up as a tribute to martyrs executed by the Ottoman rule. The martyrs were protesting to end the Ottoman rule over Lebanon in favour of Arab Nationalist movements. Originally, it was an open space beyond the Ottoman city’s walls and was named ‘Sahat Al Burj’ – or ‘Tower Square’ – because it was marked by ‘Burj Al Kashef’. Under the French mandate, however, it became a modernized meeting place with kiosks, a tramway and souks.

In 1930, a sculpture of a Muslim and Christian woman holding hands over a coffin adorned the square. The scene was designed by local artist Youssef Hoyek as a testament to the locals coming together at a time of strife. The initial statue was changed, as in 1956, the foundations for the stone’s current monument in Martyrs’ Square were erected, but the actual monument as is today was not inaugurated until 1960. The structure was designed by Italian artist, Marino Mazzacurati.

During the Civil War, the square was used as a point that divided the city into East and West Beirut to indicate opposing sects. Subsequently, the spot was completely destroyed as buildings and statues fell to ruin under the rain of bullets and bombings. Like a lot of Beirut, not much survived in the wake of its 15-year war.

Later, it was renovated by USEK, a local university, as part of what is now Downtown Beirut. However, the bullet scarring was kept as a purposeful show of the monument’s history. After the assassination of then Prime Minister, Rafic Al Hariri, one of the main contributors to Downtown Beirut’s renovation, the square once again became a popular site for political activity and protest as people came together year after year to remember the late politician. Today, they come together to have their voice heard.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.