In November 2003, et al.-Madyna Theater in Beirut, Adonis delivered a lecture in Arabic titled 'Beirut Today: A Veritable City, or a Mere Historical Name?' (Adonis in Byrūt Thadyan li ad-Doūʾ, Damascus, at-Takwyn Publication House, 2018). The lecture featured scathing criticism of Beirut, both as an architectural and urban space, and as a cultural and social environment. Consequently, the lecture stirred a response from established Lebanese writers, who expressed their opinions through a series of articles debating Adonis's perspectives on Beirut. This paper aims to analyze the aspects presented in Adonis's lecture, shedding light on his major criticisms of Beirut in terms of architecture, culture, and society. Additionally, the reactions of Abdo Wazen (born in 1957 is a Lebanese poet and literary critic) and Paul Chaoul (born in 1942 is a Lebanese poet, translator, literary critic, and playwright) will be highlighted. Ultimately, an evaluation of Adonis's lecture and the ensuing responses will be presented, leading to a general conclusion.