Lebanon

Lebanon's centuries-old café culture tradition of way of life is experiencing a frantic revival following two decades of stagnant economies and war. Urban and rural coffeehouses across the country are rediscovering their role as society forums bringing together various segments of society in an atmosphere dominated by debate, creativity, and open discussion. Lebanese coffeehouses have also traditionally been sites of culture and politics. Beirut's coffeehouses used to be havens for intellectual debate and cultural production, particularly prior to the war. The role was lost during the Lebanese Civil War and other circumstances but reasserted by a new generation dedicated to reviving and creating this aspect of national culture in recent...