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3. The Holiday Inn: From Luxury to Battlefield, Beirut’s Forgotten Symbol of War

The Holiday Inn in Beirut, once a symbol of modernity and luxury, now stands as a haunting reminder of Lebanon's civil war. Opened in 1974, the 26-story hotel was a beacon of Beirut's vibrant nightlife and international appeal. However, by 1975, it became a strategic battleground during the Lebanese Civil War.

During the “Battle of the Hotels,” militias fought for control of key buildings, and the Holiday Inn became one of the most contested sites. Its rooftop served as a sniper nest, and its floors were fought over for control of the city. Despite being stripped of its original luxury, with bullet holes, graffiti and decaying interiors, the Holiday Inn stands as a silent witness to a conflict that lasted 15 years, never rebuilt, nor demolished, nor forgotten.