Did you know that Bourj Hammoud is one of the most densely populated districts in the Middle East? Welcome to Bourj Hammoud. This vibrant town is northeast of Beirut. It is heavily populated by Lebanese Armenians. Bourj Hammoud is a municipality in the Matn District.
Let’s delve into the rich history of Bourj Hammoud. It was settled by Armenian genocide survivors. These Armenians had endured death marches in Deir ez-Zor. They arrived in Beirut after the Ottoman Empire fell. They were allowed to build shacks by the Beirut River. This area was once swamps and marshland. Over time they built the houses and buildings that still stand today. Bourj Hammoud became an independent municipality in 1952.
The founding father of Bourj Hammoud was Father Boghos Ariss. He helped establish this city. He served as its mayor for many years. A main street is named after him. This acknowledges his contributions.
Bourj Hammoud was a site of rivalry between Armenian political parties. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation and the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party struggled for control. This led to altercations. It climaxed during the Lebanon crisis of 1958. By the late 1960s, the Armenian community began to unite.
During the Lebanese Civil War, Armenians gathered in Bourj Hammoud. Many young Armenians took arms to defend it. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation tried to remain neutral. Maronite militia groups pressured Bourj Hammoud. They failed to take over it. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation defended the city.
During the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, Bourj Hammoud welcomed refugees. Churches and schools provided shelter. After the conflict, Turkey offered troops to Lebanon. Most Armenians opposed Turkish involvement. They held demonstrations against the Turkish force in Bourj Hammoud.
Bourj Hammoud felt the effects of the Beirut Port explosion. It further worsened the city’s economic crisis.
Bourj Hammoud is located off the highway. It is surrounded by Dora, Karantina, Sin el Fil, and Achrafieh. Buildings in Bourj Hammoud were built from the 1930s to the 1970s. They are usually two to four stories high. The housing looks Balkan. Wooden balconies hang over narrow streets. Commercial activity happens at street level. Bourj Hammoud faces environmental issues due to its location. It has numerous churches, schools, and cultural centers.
In 2014, Christians made up most of the registered voters in Bourj Hammoud. While it is known as an Armenian-majority location, this is not the whole story. A study showed that only one district is mainly Armenian.
Bourj Hammoud is known for its goldsmith industry. Local enterprises produce shoes, bags, and clothes. It is the place to find imported goods from Armenia.
Armenia Street is a hub for jewelers and goldsmiths. There are many jewelry stores. These businesses export to the Gulf States, Japan, Europe, and the US.
Bourj Hammoud is colorful and vibrant. It is a shopping destination. It is renowned for its artisanship. You can find jewelry, leather, garments, shoes, and mechanical handiworks. It is the place for Armenian cuisine.
People of Armenian descent preserve their culture in Bourj Hammoud. They work in traditional sectors. They pass down their heritage. Crafts and businesses are family-run. The second generation of Armenian genocide survivors are saving their heritage. This is done through traditional crafts.
Before the 20th century, few Armenians lived in Lebanon. Armenians fleeing massacres in Cilicia were relocated to Beirut. Bourj Hammoud used to be a swampy area. It was full of mulberry trees. Later, it became Beirut’s agricultural area. Armenians settled into camps. They moved to Bourj Hammoud due to fires and challenging living conditions.
Bourj Hammoud has a mix of populations. There are Armenians, Kurds, Shiites, Ethiopians, and Syrians. It has a high density.
Start your exploration at the Hamazkayin Lucy Tutunjian Art Gallery. Walk to Armenia Street. Stop for a juice at Eco Juice. Follow your nose and ask locals for directions.
On Marash Street, you will find grocers and stores with Oriental produce. There are spices and soaps from Aleppo. Visit the oldest house in Bourj Hammoud.
Visit Lido Shoes. See men making shoes. Visit Ghazal Bakery. Eat lahme bajeen or ghebez tahini. Explore antique and junk stores. Visit The Vintage Shop.
End your trip with Armenian food. Eat at Varouj or Onno. Visit Badguèr. It offers Armenian cuisine and showcases Armenian arts and crafts.
Bourj Hammoud is more than just an Armenian area. It is home to diverse populations. It is a place where new Armenian-Lebanese identities were created. It is a working-class suburb. It provides employment and affordable housing.