A Feud Cast in Concrete
In 1954, a strip of land barely wider than a hallway became the site of one of Beirut’s strangest homes. Known as Al Ba’sa—Arabic for “The Grudge”—this paper-thin building was constructed during a family dispute that played out not in court, but in concrete and bricks.
At just over 13 feet wide at its broadest point and around 2 feet at its narrowest, it appears from the side more like a wall than a residence. Yet inside, it holds apartments—and a story of enduring family rivalry.
An Inheritance Divided
The story began when two brothers inherited a plot of land from their father. Unable to agree on how to divide the property, the situation was complicated when municipal infrastructure work cut through part of it, leaving a narrow, awkward slice.
One brother took this sliver and used it to build a multi-story structure that fit the shape of the land—but more significantly, blocked his brother’s panoramic sea view entirely. The decision also lowered the value of his brother’s home, which now faced a wall.
Thin Walls, Thick History
Al Ba’sa was more than a petty monument. Over the years, people actually lived there. Each floor contains two apartments.
One was used for a time as a brothel; others sheltered a family displaced by war. Though it might look like a prank cast in stone, the building functioned as a real home in one of Beirut’s busiest districts.
Built to Stay
Current Beirut zoning laws now work in Al Ba’sa’s favor. The plot it occupies is considered too small for future development. If the house were to be demolished, the land couldn’t be used again for construction. As a result, Al Ba’sa remains more valuable with the building still standing.
Architect Sandra Rishani, who wrote about the site, noted that the structure “continues to exist grudgingly and also defiantly” in one of the city’s prime areas. Over half a century later, a slice of stone and cement still blocks a brother’s view—and cannot be removed.
In 1954, a building just over 13 feet (4 meters) wide at its broadest and around 2 feet (60 centimeters) at its narrowest appeared in Beirut.
Called Al Ba’sa—The Grudge—it was built not for beauty or space, but to ruin a brother’s ocean view.
It looks more like a wall than a… pic.twitter.com/ftcSysR7H7
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) June 3, 2025