Rachid Karami International Fair of Tripoli, Lebanon

The Rachid Karami International Fair of Tripoli, Lebanon, is a modernist architecture masterpiece. It was the result of an international collaboration between famed Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and Lebanese engineers. The architecture is a blend of Brazilian Modernism and Lebanese styles. The fair was to be a symbol of Lebanon’s modernisation, and a celebration of international teamwork.

Or, that was the plan. Sadly, this ambitious site remains a sad futuristic ruin frozen in time.

I visited this place during an amazing 2023 road trip around Lebanon.

History of the Rachid Karami International Fair of Tripoli

In 1962, work began on an oval, 70-hectare plot between the old city of Tripoli and the Al Mina port. Originally expected to be completed in 1976, work on the facility was halted in 1975 due to the Lebanese Civil War. Throughout the 15 years of conflict, numerous militia groups occupied the site. These gangs pried up marble floor slabs in addition to stealing furniture and lighting fixtures. After the fighters left in 1990, they left behind nothing but empty concrete shells. Various plans have emerged to salvage the site since the war ended in 1990, but none have come to pass. Happily, one sign of progress has emerged: the gardens have been restored to their former beauty and planted with lovely tropical trees and shrubs.

Today, the site is on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in Danger. Despite being abandoned concrete ruins, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lebanon.

The buildings on the abandoned International Fair of Lebanon

Bold curves and sweeping lines characterise the geometric concrete forms. These are (or were to be) surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, reflective pools, and fountains.

• On the north side of the site, a ceremonial ramp leads up to the large outdoor amphitheatre. At the apex of the ramp is an arch—a symbolic gateway and now a landmark on the skyline.
• The open-air amphitheatre has ample seating. A boomerang-shaped acoustic canopy provides shade for the stage.
• A tall cylindrical water tank with space for a panoramic restaurant perched at the top.
• A mushroom-like helipad, accessed by a spiral staircase.
• Pavillon du Liban, with pointed arches on all sides, is a homage to classic Lebanese architecture.
• An “experimental” theatre housed inside a low and broad dome
• A slender pyramid that has star-shaped outline when viewed from above