Grand Serail in Beirut Historic Government Headquarters
The Lebanese Governmental Serail, commonly known as the Grand Serail, is one of Lebanon's most beautiful and prestigious buildings. It has served as a presidential residence at various times over the centuries. Beirutis also call it "al-Qishla," a Turkish word meaning barracks or soldiers' headquarters. Let's learn more about the history and beauty of this unique, historic building.
Show key points
- The Grand Serail, also known as the Lebanese Governmental Serail, is a historic and architecturally rich building that has served as a political center through various eras.
- Originally constructed by Ottoman military authorities as a barracks known as "al-Qishla," it gradually evolved into a state palace and eventually the Grand Serail.
- During the French mandate period, the Serail became the residence of the High Commissioner and underwent structural modifications.
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- After Lebanon’s independence, the Serail housed the first post-independence president and became the official headquarters of successive prime ministers.
- The building was severely damaged during the Lebanese Civil War, but it was later restored under Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who emphasized preserving its historic character.
- The materials used in its reconstruction were predominantly Lebanese, though some elements like Carrara marble and French roof bricks were imported.
- The building spans three floors, each with specific purposes, and showcases a mix of Ottoman, Arab, Lebanese, and European architectural styles.
The story of the Lebanese Governmental Serail
The Serail began under the Ottoman military authorities, who built it on the hill where it stands today and used it as the headquarters for their military and civilian administration. Al-Qishla originally consisted of a single ground floor with a partial basement for housing horses. Over time it was expanded and given its present form, after which the building became the residence of the Ottoman governors. The name "al-Qishla" gradually shifted to "State Serail" and later to the "Grand Serail."
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During the French Mandate the Serail served as the seat of the French governor, or high commissioner, and was known as the High Commission. The French made several modifications to the building. Bechara al-Khoury, Lebanon's first president after independence, was the first president based in the Grand Serail before moving elsewhere.
The Serail then became the seat of government for Riad al-Solh, the first post-independence prime minister, and for subsequent governments. During the Lebanese civil war the Serail suffered heavy damage from shells and fires that destroyed large parts of the building. Former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri initiated the reconstruction of the Serail as part of the government’s plans to rebuild downtown Beirut.
Hariri completed the restoration after 900 working days. Those responsible for the reconstruction tried to preserve the building's archaeological character while blending Ottoman, European, Lebanese, and Arab artistic elements so that the walls and decorations reflect its history. The restored headquarters includes a special wing for the Prime Minister's residence; Fouad Siniora and his family moved into that wing during his time in office, making him the first Prime Minister to live there.
Contents of the Lebanese Governmental Serail
Although the Serail dates to the Ottoman era, most of the stone, wood, and metal used in the restoration are of Lebanese origin, with a few exceptions such as Carrara marble and some wood imported from Canada. Teak was used sparingly because of its rarity and was largely replaced by walnut.
The roof's brick tiles were imported from France. The Serail covers 8,650 square meters and is topped with openings known in Arab and local architecture as "bathroom houses," which add variety and distinction as well as artistic and environmental value. With its red tiles, sandstone facades, numerous arches, balconies, and wooden doors, the Grand Serail became a renewed model for Old Beirut.
1. Ground floor
The ground floor serves several functions: it contains two large halls—the official reception hall and the official banquet hall—an office for the Prime Minister and another for his wife, and offices for media and press conferences. The Serail also includes a hall notable for its vaulted arches that previously lacked a clear function amid the disorder of rooms; during restoration workers removed wallpaper and paint from its walls and ceilings and re-polished the distinctive sandstone so it could later be used as a museum or permanent exhibition.
2. First floor
The first floor houses administrative wings with official departments and their attached offices, linked by marble and granite corridors and walls decorated with simple ornamentation. The doors vary from plain to ornate in keeping with the interior decor, giving the floor a unique aesthetic character. The guest suite hall has a marble and white stone floor, an Ajami roof, and carvings from which wooden mashrabiyas hang, crafted with precision. Adjacent to the hall is an Arabic-style diwaniya, partially roofed with wrought walnut wood and decorated with Levantine and Ajami designs.
3. Second floor
The second floor has a formal character: it contains the Council of Ministers Hall, attached offices, protocol offices, the General Secretariat, and general managers' offices, in addition to the wing designated for the Prime Minister's residence, as mentioned earlier.