Shatila refugee camp, Palestinian refugee settlement in southern Beirut, Lebanon
Shatila is a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Beirut that covers less than one square kilometer. Narrow streets connect multi-story concrete buildings housing over 40,000 residents throughout the settlement.
The camp was established in 1949 by the International Committee of the Red Cross for Palestinians fleeing northern villages after the 1948 war. What began as a temporary shelter evolved into a permanent settlement over the following decades.
Residents maintain their traditions through community gatherings and shared meals where stories and customs are passed down among families. These everyday moments shape daily life and create spaces for mutual support throughout the settlement.
Visitors should explore the narrow and interwoven streets with patience and respect, as spaces are compact and daily life unfolds throughout. Local guides can help with orientation and provide authentic insights into how people live.
The population has multiplied since 2011 due to the Syrian Civil War, bringing Syrian refugees alongside the original Palestinian residents. This demographic shift fundamentally altered social structures and how daily life unfolds.
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