The Lebanese railway heritage: conservation, reuse, and rehabilitation

This research examines the conservation, reuse, and rehabilitation of Lebanon's railway heritage, within the broader framework of industrial archaeology in the Global South. The Lebanese railway system, rooted in the 19th and 20th centuries, has been neglected and undocumented, resulting in its abandonment for over fifty years. As Lebanon grapples with political and economic instability, the remnants of its railway heritage face significant threats, fostering a narrative of destruction, violation, decay. It has faded from local memory, and associations such as Train Train advocate for its reinstatement and struggle to garner public or political support for their proposals. This study aims to address this urgent need by first defining through literature the components of railway heritage inside the framework of industrial archaeology, the materiality of this heritage, and its architectural, historical and technological value. Historical and contemporary strategies for safeguarding railway heritage globally are analyzed with a focus on the conservation, reuse and enhancement experiences in the United Kingdom and Italy. By exploring the processes of heritage-making, documentation, and the roles of various stakeholders, the research aims to shed light on the unique contextual challenges faced in Lebanon and around the world. It subsequently analyzes international strategies for safeguarding and enhancing this heritage while advocating for a holistic approach to participatory restoration that incorporates grassroots initiatives and community engagement. Ultimately, this thesis represents the inaugural attempt to formulate a comprehensive understanding of Lebanese railway heritage, its historical and architectural value, while initiating a national survey of its current status. The study, conducted in parallel with discussions with the TT association and the Lebanese Directorate of Antiquities, presents contextual guidelines for safeguarding Lebanon's railway heritage.