The Symbolic Dimension of the Urban and Cultural Landscape in Baalbek (Lebanon): The Challenge of Resistance and/or Instruments of Power

Urban landscapes, particularly those saturated with symbolic meaning, can serve as both tools of political power and symbols of resistance against global neoliberal imagery. This study demonstrates that spatial symbols in Baalbek, Lebanon, embody a dual role: they reflect collective memory and identity while also functioning as instruments of control or defiance. By analyzing rituals tied to daily life, master planning strategies, and the temporal evolution of urban development, researchers reveal how these landscapes mediate power dynamics and cultural identity. The findings underscore the significance of symbolic spaces in shaping resistance narratives and reinforcing local identities amid global influences.

Mourtada, R. (2019). A dimensão simbólica da paisagem urbana e cultural em Baalbek (Líbano): o desafio da resistência e/ou os instrumentos de poder. Dearq, (24), 48–59. https://doi.org/10.18389/dearq24.2019.04