Gaby Emile Layoun and the Preservation of Beirut's Heritage
Gaby Emile Layoun, born on November 1, 1964, in Zahle, served as the Lebanese Minister of Culture under the cabinet led by Najib Mikati. A representative of the Free Patriotic Movement, Layoun brought a technical background to his ministerial role, holding a diploma in engineering and a Lebanese Baccalaureate in mathematics (1982) from the Sacred Heart of the city of Zahle.
During his tenure, Layoun found himself at the center of several high-profile disputes regarding the balance between modern urban development and the preservation of Lebanon's rich archaeological and architectural history.
Key Facts
- Role: Former Lebanese Minister of Culture representing the Free Patriotic Movement.
- Education: Engineering diploma and mathematics Baccalaureate.
- Major Controversies: The demolition of site BEY194 (alleged Phoenician port) and the house of writer Amin Maalouf.
- Preservation Success: Halted the "Landmark project" to protect a suspected 1st-century A.D. Roman gate.
The Controversy of the Phoenician Port at Site BEY194
In June 2012, Minister Layoun faced significant criticism following the demolition of archaeological site BEY194 in Mina al-Hosn, located behind Hotel Monroe in downtown Beirut. The site had previously been classified as "cultural heritage" by former minister Salim Wardeh, based on a report by Hisham Sayegh, a graduate of the Lebanese University.
The conflict intensified when authorization was granted to the Venus Towers Real Estate Development Company to clear the ruins for the construction of three skyscrapers and a garden. To resolve the dispute, Layoun appointed an international committee of archaeologists, including Hanz Curver. Additionally, Ralph Pederson of the Institute of Nautical Archaeology provided an expert report for Venus Towers.
These international experts disputed Sayegh's findings, concluding that the site was neither a port nor a dry dock. Assaad Seif, the head of the excavation department at the Ministry of Culture, further dismissed Sayegh's data as unreliable due to inconsistencies in dating and stratigraphy (the analysis of rock and soil layers).
However, the demolition occurred two days before the official decision was published in the Gazette, leading to accusations that the law had been violated. Hisham Sayegh, whose contract was not renewed, claimed he had resigned and accused Venus Towers of attempting to bribe officials to falsify scientific data.
It is noted that the actual Phoenician port of Beirut has been reliably located under Rue Foch and Rue Allenby, with findings published by Josette Elayi and Hussein Sayegh in 2000.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Demolition of Amin Maalouf's House
Another point of contention occurred on January 3, 2013, with the demolition of the former residence of renowned Lebanese writer Amin Maalouf in the Badaro neighborhood. The 80-year-old building was an example of the art deco style, a design movement characteristic of French and Italian architecture popular in Lebanon during the 1930s and 1940s.
While Layoun initially declined to approve the replacement of the building with a skyscraper, he reversed his decision on October 23, 2012. He stated that the building belonged to the transitional period of the French mandate and lacked unique traditional architectural techniques. The land had been purchased in 2011 by the Kettaneh Group, which subsequently demolished the structure.
Protecting the Roman Gate of Ancient Berytus
In a move that contrasted with previous demolitions, Minister Layoun intervened in the "Landmark project" at Riad al-Solh Square. This project, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, proposed a 42-storey tower featuring apartments and hotels.
Archaeologists believed the site contained the Roman gate of ancient Berytus (the Roman name for Beirut), dating back to the 1st century A.D. Based on expert opinions, Layoun added the site to the historical monuments list, effectively halting the construction of the mall and hotel tower to protect the ruins.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Summary of Heritage Sites and Outcomes
| Site Name | Location | Outcome | Reasoning/Controversy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site BEY194 | Mina al-Hosn | Demolished | Experts disputed its status as a Phoenician port. |
| Amin Maalouf's House | Badaro | Demolished | Deemed to lack unique traditional techniques. |
| Roman Gate of Berytus | Riad al-Solh Square | Preserved | Listed as a historical monument; halted Landmark project. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gaby Emile Layoun?
Gaby Emile Layoun is a Lebanese engineer and politician who served as the Minister of Culture as part of the cabinet led by Najib Mikati, representing the Free Patriotic Movement.
Why was the demolition of site BEY194 controversial?
The demolition was controversial because it was carried out before the official decision was published in the Gazette, and it involved a site that some researchers believed was an ancient Phoenician port, while others claimed it had no such significance.
What happened to Amin Maalouf's house in Badaro?
The house, an art deco building from the French mandate period, was demolished in January 2013 after the Ministry of Culture approved its removal to make way for a skyscraper developed by the Kettaneh Group.
What is the "Landmark project" and why was it stopped?
The Landmark project was a proposed 42-storey tower and mall in Riad al-Solh Square. It was halted by Minister Layoun after archaeologists identified the site as the location of a 1st-century A.D. Roman gate of ancient Berytus.
Where is the actual Phoenician port of Beirut located?
The reliably located Phoenician port is situated under Rue Foch and Rue Allenby, as documented in research published in 2000 by Josette Elayi and Hussein Sayegh.