Hamra ( ) is a neighborhood (sector 34) in
Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut ( ; ) is the Capital city, capital and largest city of Lebanon. , Greater Beirut has a population of 2.5 million, just under half of Lebanon's population, which makes it the List of largest cities in the Levant region by populatio ...
(quarter Ras Beirut). The heart of the neighborhood,
Hamra Street, is a major commercial district, and is known for its fashion stores, restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels, and a lively nightlife.
The
American University of Beirut
The American University of Beirut (AUB; ) is a private, non-sectarian, and independent university chartered in New York with its main campus in Beirut, Lebanon. AUB is governed by a private, autonomous board of trustees and offers programs le ...
and
Lebanese American University are in the neighborhood.
Hamra Street used to be one of the main places where Arab poets, writers, thinkers, and philosophers met and collaborated, making it an important cultural hub. Many impacts of the
Lebanese Civil War
The Lebanese Civil War ( ) was a multifaceted armed conflict that took place from 1975 to 1990. It resulted in an estimated 150,000 fatalities and led to the exodus of almost one million people from Lebanon.
The religious diversity of the ...
remain on the walls, but it has also seen development. Although it may not be as culturally and artistically vibrant as before, it remains rich with life and art.
Graffiti
Graffiti (singular ''graffiti'', or ''graffito'' only in graffiti archeology) is writing or drawings made on a wall or other surface, usually without permission and within public view. Graffiti ranges from simple written "monikers" to elabor ...
has become a form of artistic expression along the central boulevard;
an example is a mural of the popular singer and icon
Sabah
Sabah () is a States and federal territories of Malaysia, state of Malaysia located in northern Borneo, in the region of East Malaysia. Sabah has land borders with the Malaysian state of Sarawak to the southwest and Indonesia's North Kalima ...
towards the beginning of the street.
References
{{Neighbourhoods of Beirut
Neighbourhoods of Beirut
Ras Beirut