Lebanon Falling Series 2022
There is something about the Lebanese Mansion. They are impossible to miss as the first thing which draws you in is the romantic exterior. Nationwide, there are many sizes of homes, palaces, and mansions.
The traditional house, in the Ottoman Style, could be hidden anywhere, and in many towns throughout Lebanon. These traditional houses first flourished in the 19th-century Ottoman era. The ’Lebanese house’ is usually a world of sunshine, light and of colour, both subtle and vivid. These houses have a special relationship with nature, usually set in and around stunning landscapes or pretty towns.
At first glance, these heritage homes may seem alike, but if you look closer you can discern their individual personalities and unique traits. I found each architecture example unique, also varying in colour palates from bright teals and clean whites to soft orange and yellow hues.
On the outside, Ottoman-style houses are dressed in stone, with an ocher coating or other similar shades, and feature the trademark Lebanese three windows in the shape of arches that welcome this world of sunshine and light to its interior – these are called “The Triple Arcade”. Thankfully, some stunning examples of this architectural style still exist up and down the country.
High ceilings were born from the need for cool rooms during Lebanon’s hot summers, as they allowed a breeze to pass through, and the central hall provided space for extended families to live together in the same large house. The three central large arched windows evolved and doubled up to take advantage of the sweeping views of Lebanon’s hilly coastline and impressive mountains.
Another of the main draws to these abandoned houses is the possibility of discovering a beautiful, art-filled Baghdadi ceiling. The ‘Baghdadi’ is the name for the traditional partition walls, or in this case false ceiling, which was used in these heritage buildings. These ceilings fill many homes throughout the country and were one of the main aesthetic attractions for me as a photographer.
Once I discovered a house that was disused or abandoned, it always filled me with excitement, as I never quite knew what was going to be inside. These homes were colourful, fascinating, and historic.
James Kerwin
www.jameskerwin.uk
