The Beirut Central District (BDC) or Centre Ville is the historical and geographical core of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. Also called downtown Beirut,it has been described the “vibrant financial, commercial and administrative hub of the country.” It is thousands of years old, traditionally a focus of business, finance, culture and leisure. Besides, historically known as “Al Burj” or “Place des Cannons“, is the historical central public square of Beirut. In 1931, the historic square took its name to commemorate the martyrs executed there under Ottoman rule. In the 1950s, the square became Beirut’s bus and taxi terminus and a popular venue for cinemas, coffee-houses, modest hotels and the red light district. During the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), the Martyr’s Square was part of the separation line that divided the city in half.
In 2005, an international competition was launched for the design of a new square with its axis open to the sea, reestablishing Martyrs’ Square as Beirut’s premier public space and heart of the capital.
