Menja se lice Bejruta

The civil war has caused great damage to the historical and social fabric of Lebanon. (H. Levent/VOA)

Many people left the country during or after the civil war. (H. Levent/VOA)

It is possible to see traces of the civil war in central Beirut. (H. Levent/VOA)

Buildings that bore the brunt of war have been abandoned or are on the verge of collapse. Some of these structures carry historical significance. (H. Levent/VOA)

Very few buildings have been restored by owners. (H. Levent/VOA)

In central Beirut, stone homes with tall windows and shutters are hard to miss. (H. Levent/VOA)

The last representatives of traditional architecture still stand tall. But some have been abandoned and become parking lots. (H. Levent/VOA)

Some historic buildings have bullet holes on the exterior. Many neglected buildings stay in the shadow of high-rises. (H. Levent/VOA)

Traditional architecture is not preferable in modern construction. (H. Levent/VOA)

New and modern construction that changes the identity of the city soars because of insufficient legal action. (H. Levent/VOA)

Nongovernmental organizations with volunteers try to save the legacy and identity of the city. (H. Levent/VOA)

Nongovernmental organizations trying to halt demolition orders for the historic buildings in Beirut say that without a solid legal premise, this problem is hard to overcome. (H. Levent/VOA)