«I will lose you now as i did then

Only to find you and let you go again.

Goodbye Beirut.»

– Dayna Ash

It is a perpetual construction site that defines the Lebanese capital city. It’s youth is being built to the rhythm of the pounding hammers. In total disorder, the skyscrapers grow like mushrooms, gradually blocking the view of the Mediterranean horizon.

This Beirut youth is still seeking an identity, and tries to forget a past imposed to them. The youngsters spend their nights leaning on cars, cigarettes in one hand and beer in the other. They set the world to rights and make up plans to escape.

Behind the great veils that cover the unfinished buildings, a new city is in the making But the disillusioned and proud Lebanese youth are already looking towards the White Sea.

Endless goodbye and perpetual return.

All images ©Paul Hennebelle