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A Paradise Lost James Kerwin

Following World War II, Beirut became known as ‘the Pairs of the Middle East’ due to its French-Colonial architecture and vibrant culture, which drew tourists, intellectuals and investors to the Lebanese capital. However, this boom period ended in 1975 with the outbreak of civil war and since then the country has been further marked by various conflicts. After researching the country’s complex history, photographer James Kerwin embarked on a trip to Lebanon to document the derelict, yet beautiful buildings that have been left behind.