Tripoli’s fairground – an unfinished future

From Beirut via Batroun, we have arrived in Tripoli. Today, we visit the Rachid Karami International Fair, designed by Oscar Niemeyer from 1962. It was intended to bring trade, culture and people together and open up new opportunities for northern Lebanon.

But in 1975, the civil war brought construction to a halt. The complex remained unfinished; military use and decades of neglect left their mark. UNESCO

Our photographs show the monumental concrete arch, the open-air theatre, the dome of the experimental theatre and the Lebanon Pavilion with its pointed arches. The unfinished theatre interior makes particularly clear how far the original vision remained from being realised.

Since 2023, the site has been listed as both UNESCO World Heritage and World Heritage in Danger. A significant place whose preservation could help restore some of Tripoli’s promise for the future. UNESCO World Heritage site

Tripoli · Lebanon

Lebanon’s art of living – an evening in Batroun

In Batroun, we discover old stone houses with wooden shutters, flowering balconies and carefully arranged courtyards. Tables are set outside, with the small harbour and the Mediterranean beyond. In the evening light, the facades take on a warm glow as the sun slowly sinks into the sea.

Places like these make the meaning of savoir-vivre clear: the art of living well. The pleasure of welcoming guests, sharing meals and making time for one another. Here, we see how much Lebanon can offer visitors: beautiful coastal towns, preserved architecture and a lively appreciation of the good things in life.

This beauty needs peace. People should be able to preserve their homes, run their businesses and welcome guests without fear of war and bombardment. Lebanon deserves the chance to show what we experience here: a country with history, hospitality and a great zest for life.

Batroun · Lebanon

Christian life in Lebanon

Churches, statues of Mary and Christian symbols are part of everyday life in Lebanon. Our photographs show a stone-vaulted church interior with icons, a church facade in warm sunlight, a statue of Mary among homes and shops, and a window already decorated for Christmas.

Christianity is a significant part of the country’s religious and cultural diversity. Pew Research Center estimates that in 2020, Christians made up 27.9% of Lebanon’s residents — around 1.6 million people. Muslims accounted for 67.8%, around 3.9 million people. Other religions, including the Druze faith, represented 4.3%, approximately 245,000 people.

Lebanon officially recognises 18 religious communities. Our earlier photograph of a mosque beside a church also shows how different religious traditions shape the country’s townscapes.

Figures refer to 2020 and were published in 2025. They cover all residents, including migrants and refugees; headcounts are approximate calculations from rounded estimates. Lebanon’s last official census took place in 1932. Sources: Pew Research Center (p. 11), methodology, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Lebanon

Beirut – between sea, memory and hope

Today, our walk takes us to the Corniche. The Mediterranean lies calm before us. Along the sea wall, anglers hold their rods above the waves. The sea gives this city room to breathe, brings people together and provides food.

On the promenade, we discover a sign for solar street lighting: funded by the German Federal Government through KfW and implemented by UNOPS. A practical step that can make the journey home easier and keep public spaces usable after dark.

Then we encounter the visible traces of the port explosion: damaged buildings, dark window openings, containers serving as temporary structures. We fall quiet. Behind these walls are the stories of people, their work and their everyday lives.

The anglers by the sea, the promise of light and the open wounds of the explosion — all belong to Beirut. We feel how much remains to be done. And why it matters to keep going, even when help can only come a little at a time.

Beirut · Lebanon

Hope above the rooftops of Beirut

Today, our gaze stretches across Beirut and out to sea. Dark clouds are still shedding rain over the water. Between them, the sky opens and light falls along the horizon. The clouds move on towards Mount Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. To the left lies the airport, right beside the sea — where our journey began.

From a distance, the city seems peaceful for a moment. But look more closely, and between the buildings you see traces of an everyday life made difficult by war and crisis. Power lines hang in dense, tangled bundles above the streets. They hint at how much people have to improvise to secure the essentials.

Then our eyes turn to the rooftops: between water tanks and antennas, solar panels face the sun. People are taking their power supply into their own hands. They are creating a measure of independence — so that a light can stay on in the evening, a phone can be charged and daily life can become a little more dependable.

We stand for a while, looking out over the city. The beauty of the sea, the visible scars, the solar panels on the rooftops: everything is so close together.

This view will stay with us. Above all, because of the people who find ways to carry on here, every single day.

Beirut · Lebanon

When the rain comes all at once

Dense clouds gather over the mountains of Lebanon. By evening, the rain comes down in a sudden, heavy burst: water lashes the street and the lights reflect on the wet ground.

A short impression from this evening, captured in our journey video.

Lebanon

Rescue equipment for the Lebanese Red Cross

We are preparing a delivery of rescue equipment to the Lebanese Red Cross in Tripoli. The equipment is intended to help rescue teams reach people trapped after building collapses in the mountainous north of Lebanon. Mahmoud explains that buildings on steep slopes are vulnerable and heavy rain can add to the danger.

The planned delivery includes one cut-off machine, two concrete saws, two diamond cutting discs, two diamond saw chains, ten protective gloves and five safety goggles. The handover is being prepared.

Tripoli · Northern Lebanon

Meeting with the Lebanese Red Cross

An early encounter on the journey: a first meeting with Fadi Lesidon of the Lebanese Red Cross. Working alongside people who understand local needs is central to how we approach our support.

We will add the participants’ confirmed meeting notes and any next steps as they become available.

Lebanon

United we run

United We Run: the message on a colourful heart by the marina captures the spirit of togetherness. A morning impression from Lebanon, with peace symbols in bright colours.

We also spot a smaller version of the knotted-gun sculpture familiar from outside the United Nations in New York. The AUNOHR sign on its base draws attention to non-violence and human rights.

Lebanon

Off to a good start: an evening at ELMIR

Our first evening gets off to a good start: we join the opening of the ELMIR craft beer brewery. A personal guided tour and a tasting give us a closer look at the brewery.

A relaxed start to our journey, with a glimpse of local craft and an evening together.

ELMIR Craft Beer · Lebanon

Impressions of Lebanon

An afternoon to take in our surroundings: colourful street art and a view of a mosque alongside a church. A few impressions from Lebanon, captured along the way.

Later that evening, we head to the opening of the ELMIR brewery.

Lebanon

First Moments in Lebanon

A moment to settle in before the days ahead. From the hotel, our attention turns to the programme: meeting local partners, preparing the planned activities and making time for the people behind each project.

The coming updates will follow the journey one encounter at a time.

Lebanon

Arrival in Beirut

Beirut comes into view, and with it the people and places at the heart of our work. This journey brings Mahmoud Chatah, Chair of Power for People in Lebanon, and fellow association members to Lebanon to spend time with local partners and prepare practical support for families.

Follow this journal as we share photographs, encounters and verified updates from the journey.

Beirut · Lebanon