Designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in 1962, the modernist Rachid Karimi International fairground in Tripoli, Northern Lebanon, is currently facing decay due to neglect, conflicts, and Lebanon's financial crisis. This iconic site, once a symbol of modernism in the Middle East, risks losing its architectural significance.  

Amidst economic challenges, the increase in the number of refugees and local violence, the fairground remains a low priority. Activists advocate for repurposing the space for the city's benefit, proposing various uses from economic development to other innovative ideas. Notably, UNESCO has recognized the importance of this space.

London-based journalist Lemma Shehadi highlighted these issues in her article "Too little, too late? The battle to save Tripoli's futuristic fairground," shedding light on efforts to protect and restore the site under UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Efforts are being made to save the site, including a proposal for its protection and rehabilitation under UNESCO's World Heritage List – with success, today it has been added to the United Nations' list of world heritage sites in danger. The hope is that with proper care and attention, this iconic fairground could be revitalized to benefit Tripoli culturally, economically, and socially.

In December 2023, we engaged three individuals in discussions about the fairground's future potential for development and peace in Tripoli.

Questions like:

1. How could it unite a divided community?
2. How do we imagine it in the future?
3. Could it contribute to weapon- and violence-free communities

sparked insightful conversations. Their responses serve as a foundation for dialogue and envisioning a peaceful future for this space.

For a first idea on how that future could look like please feel free to watch a short YouTube video which you can access here ➡️ https://youtu.be/4k6zcjyaCmE.

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We invite you to join this dialogue by sharing your ideas through various formats such as audio messages, written responses, personal opinions, or suggestions for further discussions. Your input can contribute to exploring innovative solutions and fostering a peaceful and violence-free community in Tripoli. Our community is the perfect place for engaging, fair, and constructive dialogues. You can either

Join our WhatsApp Community 📲🌟 by simply clicking on the link ➡️Comunity
Looking forward to welcoming you aboard and seeing your valuable contributions to our community!

You can find the  🎥💬 video on the Future Of The Rachid Karimi International Fair and share your opinion in the comments section ➡️ https://youtu.be/4k6zcjyaCmE.
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Or if you would like to communicate via email directly, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at ➡️ timour@whatif.zone. We're always here to answer any questions or discuss any topics you're interested in. 📧💬