Beirut is the party capital of the Middle East, but even when clubbing at renowned nightspot B018 reminders of a tumultuous recent past are not far away.
A war-torn past and hedonistic present —
Beirut is the party capital of the Middle East, but even when clubbing at renowned nightspot B018 reminders of a tumultuous recent past are not far away.
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Beirut's B018 underground nightclub, in the foreground, is built in a part of the city destroyed during a 1976 massacre at the beginning of the Civil War.
Real underground clubbing —
Beirut's B018 underground nightclub, in the foreground, is built in a part of the city destroyed during a 1976 massacre at the beginning of the Civil War.
Courtesy of Bernard Khoury
The club's retractable roof opens to reveal the sky, while an angled mirror reflects in the lights of the city.
Bunker-busting beats —
The club's retractable roof opens to reveal the sky, while an angled mirror reflects in the lights of the city.
Courtesy of Bernard Khoury
The club, in Beirut's Karantina district, resembles an underground bunker, and has its origins in a regular gathering put on by the owner throughout the civil war.
Origins in the civil war —
The club, in Beirut's Karantina district, resembles an underground bunker, and has its origins in a regular gathering put on by the owner throughout the civil war.
Courtesy Bernard Khoury
The club's tables were decorated with portraits of musicians: Miles Davis, Serge Gainsbourg and others.
Influence from bon vivants —
The club's tables were decorated with portraits of musicians: Miles Davis, Serge Gainsbourg and others.
Courtesy Bernard Khoury
War-torn Beirut as it appeared in the aftermath of the civil war. The Beirut souks, historically the commercial heart of the city, have been rebuilt and now form the city's largest shopping area.
After the civil war —
War-torn Beirut as it appeared in the aftermath of the civil war. The Beirut souks, historically the commercial heart of the city, have been rebuilt and now form the city's largest shopping area.
Courtesy Solidere
A view of the commercial district from the civil war era.
Damaged commercial center —
A view of the commercial district from the civil war era.
Courtesy Solidere
Crowds flock to the Fete de la Musique festival in the rejuvenated Beirut Souks district.
Outdoor festivals —
Crowds flock to the Fete de la Musique festival in the rejuvenated Beirut Souks district.
Courtesy Solidere
Beirut today is a city with a vibrant nightlife -- much of it concentrated outdoors in the balmy evening air.
Nightlife capital —
Beirut today is a city with a vibrant nightlife -- much of it concentrated outdoors in the balmy evening air.
Courtesy Solidere