Lebanon Renames Hafez al-Assad Avenue to Ziad Rahbani Boulevard

In a significant symbolic gesture, the Lebanese Council of Ministers approved on Tuesday the renaming of Hafez al-Assad Avenue in Beirut to Ziad Rahbani Boulevard, in honor of the late Lebanese musician and playwright.

Details of the Decision

The decision was made following a request from President Jouzaf Aoun. Lebanese Information Minister, Paul Marcus, stated that the cabinet has instructed the Minister of Interior to complete the necessary procedures for this change.

This move culminates a social media campaign launched by activists and intellectuals after Rahbani's death on July 26. They had called for a street in Hamra, where the late artist lived for years, to be named after him.

Saying Goodbye to Ziad Rahbani

Ziad Rahbani's funeral, where he was posthumously awarded the National Order of the Cedar with the rank of commander, was a widely attended event. Representatives from all Lebanese communities and affiliations, as well as the President's spouse, were present, with his mother, the great singer Fairouz, bidding him a moving farewell.