Samir Khalaf, a Beirut resident and an internationally acclaimed sociologist, is an ardent admirer of the Bourj's cosmopolitan history and argues passionately that its reinvention is at hand, and must be encouraged: the Bourj must reclaim its disinherited legacy of pluralism and tolerance.
Over centuries, the Bourj has come to embody pluralism and tolerance as an "open museum of tolerance." In 2005, former Prime Minister Rafiq al-Hariri was assassinated, and the Bourj witnessed extraordinary scenes of popular, multi-faith protest. Once again, Samir Khalaf argues, the heart of Beirut is establishing itself as a unique open space that allows people to appreciate their diversity and banish indifference.
