The port of Beirut: The vital, historic centre of a complex city

The port has played a key role in Beirut's history and stands at the centre of the city, surrounded by some of its most important neighbourhoods

The centre of Beirut has suffered devastation following an explosion which has destroyed the port, caused massive damage to the Lebanese capital and resulted in numerous deaths.

The blast, in the early evening of August 4, has been reported as having the force of a 3.5 magnitude earthquake – and is believed to have been fuelled by 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse at the port.

While post-civil war Lebanon’s economy, infrastructure and basic services are already on their knees due to an unprecedented economic