Sights and sounds of Beirut, captured by journalist, writer, and photographer Alexander Durie.

Israel launched another full-scale on Lebanon in early March this year, as airstrikes across southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut displaced over a million people–approximately 20% of the country's population.

Based in Beirut, Alex explores the music heard across third spaces in the city during this first month of war–songs played in the city's many bars, cafés, restaurants, or taxis, as life went on despite another war ravaging the country. 

From cherished local artists Yasmine Hamdan and Ahmad Kaabour, to 80s new wave groups, this collection of songs captures Beirut's eclectic energy and vibrant culture, which persist in the face of Israeli attacks.

"War is Peace: Songs from Beirut during Israel's War on Lebanon" is also a reflection on how the sounds of war in Beirut affected Alex's relationship with music, and how musical culture shapes the city's identity.