René Moawad Garden, Public garden in Sanayeh district, Beirut, Lebanon.
René Moawad Garden covers 22,000 square metres in Beirut's Sanayeh district, bounded by Rue Spears to the north, Rue Alameddine to the south, Rue Halawani to the east and Rue Sanayeh to the west; the National Library complex faces it on Rue Spears. Its grounds hold shaded walking and jogging paths, bicycle lanes, children's play areas, a stage and exhibition space, and a statue of President René Moawad.
Khalil Pasha, commander of the Turkish Sixth Army in World War I, ordered the garden's creation in 1907. It was first called the Hamidi Public Garden, but the public long knew it as Sanayeh Garden. It was later renamed for President René Moawad, assassinated on 22 November 1989 near the garden. After two years of works, the garden was restored in 2014 at a cost of $2.5 million, funded by Azadea Group.
The garden's name honours President René Moawad, assassinated on 22 November 1989 near the site; a statue of him stands inside. It was long known as Sanayeh Garden, and Roger Assaf's 1997 play Jnaynet Al-Sanaye' takes it as its subject. Artists exhibit work here, and elderly visitors play cards, backgammon or chess in the shade.
The garden opens daily from 06:00 to 18:00. It is bounded by Rue Spears to the north, Rue Alameddine to the south, Rue Halawani to the east and Rue Sanayeh to the west, with the National Library complex facing it on Rue Spears. Paths for walking, jogging and cycling cross the grounds, alongside playgrounds, a stage and seating in the shade.
The garden's official name is often dropped in daily speech: Beirutis still call it Sanayeh Garden, after the district. It was renamed for President René Moawad, assassinated on 22 November 1989 near the garden, days after taking office as the first president after the Taif Agreement. A statue of him stands inside.
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