Marc Ghazali

Marc Ghazali is a political science graduate from the American University of Beirut, now working in a humanitarian organization that helps Syrian refugees. He founded Beirut Urban Tours back when he was still a student as an initiative to promote “political tourism” in Lebanon and to connect the urban to the political. The Downtown Beirut walking tour, “Layers of a Ghost City,” has been running for over two years every Saturday, attracting young students, nonprofit professionals and tourists. He says there’s one destination to which he’s never been and that he’d like to visit: “Cape Town, South Africa. I don’t know why but it’s at the top of my list.”

Q: What do you love most about your work?

A: I really like that the tour is a platform for me to send a message. I get to spread controversial ideas and generate a debate.

Q: Name one person who has left a lasting impact on your life and explain why.

A: As nerdy as it sounds, a professor back at university. She was so inspiring that I eventually switched majors, and I am where I am today.

Q: Which was your most memorable trip and why?

A: Definitely my trip to Wadi Rum in Jordan. The colors, the scale, the overwhelming feeling and the company made it magical.

Q: Where do you go in Lebanon to disconnect from everything?

A: Ehden, especially during wintertime when the village is empty.

Q: Which is your favorite holiday destination outside Lebanon?

A: I don’t have one actually. Anywhere with a beautiful beach works.

Q: If you could go back in time and change one thing about your life, what would it be?

A: On a good day I feel like I wouldn’t change anything. On a bad day some ideas pop up but nothing significant.

Q: What’s your favorite dessert?

A: A good lemon tart.

Q: Describe yourself in just one word.

A: Empathetic.