The last boat-builders in Tyre

The city of Tiro, due to its particular geographic conformation, surrounded on three sides by the Mediterranean, appears as a peninsula and owes much of its history to the sea. In fact, since ancient times, activities related to the sea have represented the main sources of income for the inhabitants. Fishing, sea trade and activities for the construction of wooden boats have always been Tiro’s main economic activities.

The Lebanese wooden boats, built and shaped by the skilled hands of the boats-builders, showed a great Phoenician influence, found both in the construction lines (the ends of the boats were usually very high and curved towards the inside) and in the decorations. The stern usually ended with a decorative mermaid tail pattern, while the bow was often adorned with an horse head. At the bow, above the waterline, two large eyes were designed to protect the ship, fear the enemies but also to scrutinize the route to go. The wood for shipbuilding was mainly the cedars of the Lebanese mountains.

The Barbour brothers are today the last boat-buiders in Tire, thanks to the knowledge passed on to them by their father and grandfather. Their firm belief in wanting to continue their business, in full respect of tradition, has led them to use the ancient building techniques and to use simple traditional tools for the construction of boats.

In 2003, at the International Exhibition held in Portugal, their mastery was recognized and appreciated with the award of the 3rd prize as one of the best boats present.