WELCOME TO LEBANON
2020 - ongoing..
The ongoing project on Lebanon, initiated at the end of 2020, seeks to unfold one of the most severe national economic crises witnessed globally in over 150 years through a poignant photographic exhibition. Lebanon's history is marred by a prolonged civil war that has left an indelible mark on its political landscape, shattering any aspirations for genuine political salvation. The country's history books halt at 1943, the year of independence, as the Lebanese memory has been overshadowed by the war's harrowing legacy. The warlords, still in power, bear the responsibility for past destruction while perpetuating today's decline, denying a brighter future to a youth already burdened by historical trauma.
The year 2019 saw a resurgence of hope as protests erupted across Lebanon, with the youth envisioning a new national system. However, these dreams were short-lived, overshadowed by the remnants of the past. The catastrophic Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, marked a devastating turning point. The explosion, caused by a neglected stockpile of ammonium nitrate, resulted in over 220 deaths and 6,500 injuries, symbolizing the culmination of corruption and impunity that has plagued Lebanon. The World Bank has called Lebanon's economic crisis the worst since 1850, a collapse typically seen in prolonged conflicts. The Lebanese Lira's value has plummeted by 80%, plunging over half the population below the extreme poverty line, including 900,000 Syrian refugees.
In 2021, Lebanon's fuel crisis led to severe rationing, with people waiting up to nine hours to obtain fuel, often resorting to the black market at exorbitant prices. The electricity supply is largely dependent on private generators, which are insufficient to meet the growing demand, leading to daily struggles to avoid blackouts. With only a few hours of electricity each day, life has become a constant battle for many. The exodus of highly skilled labor seeking opportunities abroad is contributing to a permanent social and economic collapse, compounded by Western governments' stringent visa policies, which prevent many from fleeing to a better life. Lebanon's plight is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of prolonged political and economic mismanagement.
