Inside Takkedine El-Solh’s Old Abandoned Mansion In Hamra
It is no secret that Beirut is home to abandoned abodes and mansions, and many of us have turned exploring them into a hobby.
Scattered around Zoqaq el Blat and the rest of Beirut are magical abandoned homes and mansions. One of these gems is the home of former Prime Minister Takeddin el-Solh, who was known for his great intellect and charisma – as well as his tarboush! Well, home is an understatement, since the size of it compares to a small castle. Much to my, and many other’s surprise, this estate is located in the middle of Hamra and is dismissed by pedestrians as just another old, junkyard.
So, the adventurer within us decided to talk a walk and explore it for ourselves.
This is how it looked a couple of years back, as reported by abnf.co
Image from abnf.co
This is what it looks like now. Unfortunately, the entire area is covered with trash, building equipment (thanks to a new development next door) and more trash.
This was the spectacular entrance:
Image from abnf.co
And now:
Still the same, just not very loved or taken care of.
Much to our excitement, this main door was open, however upon entering there was strong stench of faeces (which also covered the floor) that we just couldn’t stomach. Apparently, the entrance of this mansion is an ideal spot for some to take a dump.
Anyway, the old photos from the “Abandoned and Forgotten” website look incredible, although it’s unclear whether it still looks like this now, or not.
Image from abnf.co
These old photographs are magical:
Image from abnf.co
In case anybody has ever wondered what an iconic Prime Minister has on his bookshelf:
Image from abnf.co
The explorer from “Abandoned and Forgotten” notes, “the binders were full of voter lists and various political documents.” Is anybody else burning with curiosity to find out what they were?
Is that pottery between the floors? Perhaps to stash hidden treasures? Or, for insulation, as some suggest.
Image from abnf.co
This is him wearing his famous tarboush and his beautiful wife, Fadwa Barazi.
Image from el-solh.com
Let’s hope that this building is under Beirut municipality’s protection, with plans to restore it, as it carries a great deal of history to be rotting away amongst the garbage and trees while new projects and developments overshadow it.
Update from Save Beirut Heritage:
After contacting the NGO Save Beirut Heritage, we have learnt that this house is indeed protected, and was protected back in 2012 by Minister Salim Wardi. The ownership of the house belongs to the wife of Mr El-Solh, and thankfully there are no demolition plans.
