The scars of war in Beirut's ancient architecture.

Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is a stunning port city situated on the Mediterranean coast. The Old Town in the heart of Beirut bears the imprint of 11 ancient civilizations, from the biblical Canaanite period to the Ottoman Empire.

The city's urban and architectural identity was largely shaped during the Ottoman Empire and the French colonial period. However, during the civil war from 1975 to 1990, central Beirut was severely damaged, with approximately two-thirds of its buildings almost completely ruined.

British photographer James Kerwin spent years observing Beirut to capture the "soul" of its abandoned buildings by focusing on their unique colors and ancient architectural lines. Through his lens, Kerwin attempted to tell a colorful story of Lebanon's history through these remaining ruins.

The scars of the past are evident in the abandoned buildings of Beirut, a legacy of the many wars that have taken place throughout the city's history. Kerwin offers us the most authentic glimpse into the conflicts that have taken place here.

Once dubbed the "Paris of the Middle East," Beirut's opulent past seems to linger in its crumbling architectural ruins. Elaborately decorated archways and meticulously plastered sections transport us back to a magnificent Beirut of yesteryear, the cradle of culture and intellect after the country gained independence in 1943.

But all that changed in 1975, when the Lebanese civil war began. Successive wars fueled decades of chaos, ultimately leading to the Israeli-Lebanese conflict in 2006.

Although it lasted only 34 days, the Israeli-Lebanon conflict severely devastated Beirut, a city that had been rebuilt since the end of the Lebanese civil war in 1990. During this short period, approximately 1,300 Lebanese people lost their lives, and many buildings and infrastructure were severely damaged. These abandoned historical spaces reveal the scars of decades of internal conflict created during the Lebanese civil war.

During his time in Beirut, Kerwin had the opportunity to visit ancient palaces, theaters, mosques, old residential areas, and bathhouses. Many of these places had been used by the military as bases during the civil war. Most of these have been abandoned, with only a few restored for use today.

Let's take a look at the once-gorgeous architecture of Beirut, the city of memories, through the lens of photographer James Kerwin.

My Tong