Will the architectural heritage of Beirut survive the explosion?

THE RUBBLE had not even been cleared when the speculators started to descend. They visited the Ghoulam family twice, offering to buy a shattered home on one of Beirut’s most famous streets. They called one man for days before he finally stopped answering. When the direct approach failed, some tried subterfuge: unnamed visitors whispered to owners that their homes were structurally unsound and should be demolished.Two months have passed since the massive explosion at Beirut’s port on August 4th, which killed almost 200 people. Much of the city centre is still a wreck, with buildings blown open to the elements and debris heaped on balconies. The army has surveyed more than 85,000 homes and businesses ruined by the blast. The damage to housing alone could cost $2.8bn-$3.4bn, estimates the World Bank.