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Beirut grain silos are a historical structure and physical indicator of Beirut’s recent history. The iconic concrete structure that was constructed on Beirut Port in the late 1960s shielded the city from being massively affected by the explosion that occurred in August 2020. The Beirut Port blast was caused by a huge amount of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely in the warehouse adjacent to the silos (hanger 12) and was considered one of the large non-nuclear explosions of history. The grain silos were partially damaged in the blast; thus, they continued to collapse and burn slowly because of the fermentation of the grains stored inside them. No immediate action was taken, and the government’s initial decision was to demolish the silos and rebuild them. The decision faced strong opposition from the community and the families of the victims, who still gather every year near the silos to remember their loved ones and ask for justice. Different local campaigns were launched to put effort into protecting and preserving the silos, and in response to the community’s need to keep the silos as the only evidence of the blast and as a monument for all the previous traumatic events. Events that left citizens without the proper closure needed to progress toward recovery. This paper will feature the grain silos in the context of dark heritage, exploring the different social and political aspects that intervene in this kind of heritage. The paper identifies the importance of dark heritage in the traumatized collective memory of communities seeking justice and recovery. By analyzing the proposed plans for reconstructing Beirut Port, this study will investigate the government’s approach and the corresponding local and international attempts to save this site. The paper emphasizes the role of dark heritage in pursuing heritage values that refer to the past and its role toward the collective memory that shapes the future. The paper addresses three key questions: How can dark heritage contribute to achieving justice for communities affected by traumatic events? Why can the grain silos impacted by the port blast be recognized as dark heritage site that warrants preservation? What conservation policies can be implemented to take immediate action in preserving a dark heritage site?

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Conserving a Difficult Memory: The Importance of Dark Heritage for Communities Seeking Justice and Recovery: Case of Beirut Port Grain Silos

  • 会议论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Kawthar Bazzoun

摘要

Beirut grain silos are a historical structure and physical indicator of Beirut’s recent history. The iconic concrete structure that was constructed on Beirut Port in the late 1960s shielded the city from being massively affected by the explosion that occurred in August 2020. The Beirut Port blast was caused by a huge amount of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely in the warehouse adjacent to the silos (hanger 12) and was considered one of the large non-nuclear explosions of history. The grain silos were partially damaged in the blast; thus, they continued to collapse and burn slowly because of the fermentation of the grains stored inside them. No immediate action was taken, and the government’s initial decision was to demolish the silos and rebuild them. The decision faced strong opposition from the community and the families of the victims, who still gather every year near the silos to remember their loved ones and ask for justice. Different local campaigns were launched to put effort into protecting and preserving the silos, and in response to the community’s need to keep the silos as the only evidence of the blast and as a monument for all the previous traumatic events. Events that left citizens without the proper closure needed to progress toward recovery. This paper will feature the grain silos in the context of dark heritage, exploring the different social and political aspects that intervene in this kind of heritage. The paper identifies the importance of dark heritage in the traumatized collective memory of communities seeking justice and recovery. By analyzing the proposed plans for reconstructing Beirut Port, this study will investigate the government’s approach and the corresponding local and international attempts to save this site. The paper emphasizes the role of dark heritage in pursuing heritage values that refer to the past and its role toward the collective memory that shapes the future. The paper addresses three key questions: How can dark heritage contribute to achieving justice for communities affected by traumatic events? Why can the grain silos impacted by the port blast be recognized as dark heritage site that warrants preservation? What conservation policies can be implemented to take immediate action in preserving a dark heritage site?