Borj Hammoud, Lebanon

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Borj Hammoud, Lebanon

Region: Borj Hammoud is located in the municipality of Bourj Hammoud in Lebanon

---

Geographic Coordinates: 33.893600, 35.540300

Population: 150000

Language: Arabic

---

Borj Hammoud is a small town situated in the eastern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. It has a high population density and is renowned for its diverse community and lively streets. The town was established by Armenian refugees who fled from the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Presently, Borj Hammoud is home to a sizable Armenian community as well as other ethnic groups such as Lebanese, Syrian, And Palestinian residents. The markets in the town are famous for their vibrant atmosphere and offer various items ranging from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Visitors can explore narrow streets filled with shops selling traditional sweets, Spices, Textiles, And jewelry. One of Borj Hammoud’s most significant landmarks is the Armenian Genocide Memorial Monument located at the center of the town. This monument serves as a reminder of atrocities committed against Armenians during World War I when over one million people were killed or forced to flee their homes. Apart from its cultural importance, Borj Hammoud plays an essential role in Lebanon’s economy by hosting several small businesses that manufacture furniture, Clothing, And food products.

Its strategic location near Beirut’s port also makes it a vital hub for trade and commerce. Despite facing challenges such as overcrowding and pollution due to urbanization pressures over time; Borj Hammoud remains a resilient community that continues to thrive despite adversity. Its unique blend of cultures and traditions make it an exciting destination for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Lebanese life beyond Beirut city limits. Overall if you’re looking for an authentic experience while visiting Lebanon then exploring this bustling neighborhood would undoubtedly be worth adding on your itinerary!

---

---

1. The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia: It serves as the headquarters of the Armenian Catholic Church and is a significant religious landmark.
2. The Armenian Genocide Monument: A memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian genocide during World War I.
3. The Beirut River Walk: A picturesque walkway along Beirut River with stunning views of the city.
4. The Bourj Hammoud Cultural Center: A cultural center that displays traditional Lebanese crafts such as pottery, weaving, and embroidery.
5. The Saint Sarkis Church: An ancient church built to honor Saint Sarkis, one of Armenia’s most revered saints.
6. Souk El Tayeb: A weekly farmer’s market offering fresh produce and traditional Lebanese foods.
7. Sama Beirut Tower: One of Lebanon’s tallest buildings with breathtaking views from its observation deck on top floor.
8. Horsh Beirut (Beirut Pine Forest): An exceptional natural reserve located at East Beirut’s edge where visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas & bird-watching opportunities.

---

• Borj Hammoud, Lebanon is renowned for its flourishing garment and textile industry.
• The region is also home to numerous small businesses and workshops that specialize in metalworking, woodworking, and furniture production.
• Other industries in the area include food processing, printing, and publishing.
• Moreover, Borj Hammoud boasts a bustling retail sector with shops selling an array of products from electronics to household goods.

---



Noteable History

1. The founding of Borj Hammoud: Borj Hammoud was founded in the early 20th century by survivors of the Armenian Genocide who settled in the area.
2. The Lebanese Civil War: During the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), Borj Hammoud was a center for Armenian resistance against various factions involved in the conflict.
3. Hrant Dink: Hrant Dink, a prominent Turkish-Armenian journalist and human rights activist, spent part of his childhood in Borj Hammoud before moving to Istanbul where he was assassinated in 2007.
4. Tufenkian Carpets: Tufenkian Carpets, a luxury carpet manufacturer, was founded by James Tufenkian, an American-Armenian entrepreneur who grew up in Borj Hammoud.
5. Armenian Relief Society: The Armenian Relief Society (ARS), an international humanitarian organization founded to assist Armenians affected by the genocide and subsequent conflicts, has its headquarters located in Borj Hammoud.
6. Beirut Port Explosion: In August 2020, a massive explosion at Beirut port devastated much of nearby neighborhoods including parts of Borj Hammoud causing significant damage and loss of life.

---



Museums and Things To See

1. Armenian Genocide Orphan Rug Monument
2. The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia Museum and Library
3. The Surp Kevork Church and Monastery
4. The St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church
5. The Arax Bakery and Pastry Shop, famous for its traditional Armenian pastries.
6. The Lebanese National Museum, located nearby in Beirut.
7. Beit Beirut Museum, located nearby in Beirut, showcasing the city’s history during the Lebanese Civil War.

---



---

---



Cultural Events

1. Armenian Street Festival: This festival celebrates the Armenian heritage of Borj Hammoud and is held annually in September. It features traditional Armenian music, dance performances, food stalls, and cultural exhibitions.
2. Saint Sarkis Festival: This festival is held in February to celebrate Saint Sarkis, the patron saint of Borj Hammoud’s Armenian community. The festival includes religious processions, music performances, and traditional food.
3. Lebanese Independence Day: Celebrated on November 22nd each year, this national holiday commemorates Lebanon’s independence from France in 1943. Borj Hammoud typically hosts parades and other festivities to mark the occasion.
4. Easter Celebrations: Borj Hammoud’s Christian community celebrates Easter with a variety of events including church services, processions through the streets, and family gatherings featuring traditional foods like maamoul (a sweet pastry).
5. Christmas Celebrations: Like many places around the world with Christian populations, Christmas is an important holiday in Borj Hammoud marked by church services and festive decorations throughout the town.
6. Beirut International Film Festival: While not specific to Borj Hammoud per se, this annual film festival takes place nearby in Beirut each October and attracts filmmakers from all over the world showcasing their work for audiences across Lebanon.
7. Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha Festivals: These two Muslim holidays are celebrated throughout Lebanon including in Borj Hammoud where families gather for feasts after fasting during Ramadan or to observe Eid al-Adha which marks Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son as a testament of faithfulness to God according to Islamic tradition.

---



Cuisine

• Mano: A popular restaurant that serves traditional Armenian dishes such as manti, kebab, and kibbeh.
• Al Hallab: A Lebanese restaurant known for its fresh seafood and traditional mezzes.
• Kebabji: A grill house that specializes in grilled meats such as shish taouk and kafta.
• Mayrig: An upscale Armenian restaurant that offers a fusion of traditional Armenian cuisine with modern twists.
• Varouj: A popular spot for falafel sandwiches and other Middle Eastern street food.
• Chez Maguy: Known for its delicious Lebanese breakfast dishes like foul and hummus with meat or eggs.
• Lebnani Snack: A small shop that serves delicious manakish (Lebanese flatbread) filled with zaatar or cheese.
• Mhanna Sur Mer: Located on the coast of Borj Hammoud, this seafood restaurant offers stunning views of the Mediterranean sea along with fresh seafood dishes like grilled octopus and fish tagine.

---



Parks and Recreation

1. Horsh Beirut: It is a large public park located on the outskirts of Borj Hammoud. The park has walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds for children, and sports facilities.
2. Bourj Hammoud Municipal Stadium: It is a sports complex that includes a football field and basketball court.
3. Bourj Hammoud Public Garden: It is a small garden located in the heart of the city that offers green space for relaxation and recreation.
4. Marash Park: It is an outdoor recreational area that features playgrounds, basketball courts, and picnic areas.
5. Nahr Beirut Walkway: It is a scenic walkway along the river that runs through Borj Hammoud. The walkway offers beautiful views of the city skyline and the river.
6. Bourj Hammoud Cultural Center: It hosts various cultural events such as music concerts, theater performances, art exhibitions etc., which can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
7. Bouzol Square: This square serves as an important gathering place for local residents where they can enjoy street food vendors or simply relax on benches while enjoying the view of surrounding buildings adorned with murals.
8. Bourj hammoud beach : A small beach located at Nahr Beirut’s mouth where you can swim or sunbathe during summer days.
9. Boulevard de l’Independence : A pedestrian street filled with shops & cafes where you can stroll around or have coffee with friends/family.
10. Nahr el Kalb Bridge : A Roman bridge over Nahr el Kalb river which connects Bourj hammoud to Jounieh , it’s considered to be one of Lebanon’s most important historical landmarks.

---



Explore The World!

---