Rue Weygand


Rue Weygand is a street in Beirut's Central Business District. Originally, the street was named Rue Nouvelle as it was a new thoroughfare constructed as part of a modernization plan in 1915. Upon its completion, the street was renamed after Maxime Weygand, the High Commissioner of French-mandated Syria and Lebanon who served from 19 April 1923 – 29 November 1924.
Jean Lauffray, the French archeologist, revealed that Rue Weygand followed the ancient Roman decumanus. While Roman and Byzantine mosaic floors have been found, the street predates the Roman Empire as archeological digs have also uncovered evidence that the street was a commercial hub even prior to the Hellenization of Phoenicia.
Prior to the war, the number 2 tram ran from Gare du Phare to Rue de Damas via Rue Weygand.
Rue Weygand is a one-way street that runs east-west, beginning at Boulevard George Haddad and turning into Rue Georges Picot that cuts through the Jewish quarter of Wadi Abu Jamil. The Municipality of Beirut is located on the street along with exclusive designer shops and hotels, such as Le Gray. The Beirut Souks are also located on Rue Weygand.

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