This is the full image of the gentleman who was strolling through Place des Martyrs in Beirut in the 1960s, now featured on the bottle and box of our Ashta Symphony. 

At that time, street photographers would take spontaneous photos of passersby in public places, often without permission, and then sell the prints to their subjects – in this case, the “Ashta Symphony” gentleman. These "photo surprises" offered a unique experience: an instant, affordable memento, often cherished by the subjects. The photos were authentic and natural, and became treasured memories for many people, because they represented a moment in time they might have otherwise missed.

Martyrs' Square (Place des Martyrs),,with its constant flow of pedestrians, was an ideal spot for this kind of photography. It stood as the intersection of the city’s urban and political life, a crossroads for social interaction, political engagement, and cultural exchange. During this time, Beirut was undergoing significant transformation, with the square at the center of this change.

The area was a bustling commercial hub, surrounded by shops, cafés, and cultural venues, attracting both locals and visitors. The surrounding architecture began to shift, with the rise of modernist buildings, hotels, commercial spaces, and residential complexes. This contrast between the square’s historical significance and the cosmopolitan energy of the expanding city made it unique.

Place des Martyrs was a melting pot, where people from diverse backgrounds gathered. Locals from different sects and walks of life mixed with tourists drawn to Beirut’s charm. This blend of social classes, ethnicities, and religions created a constant energy in the square. The flow of taxis, buses, and pedestrians made it a key transit hub in the city.

Whether heading to work, school, or leisure, people passing through the square added to its cosmopolitan atmosphere. Around the square, cafés and restaurants became gathering places where locals, intellectuals, and visitors discussed politics, art, and current events. Establishments were frequented by politicians, writers, and students, making the square both a space for relaxation and intellectual exchange.

Among these people, elegantly dressed in a double-breasted suit, a gentleman was enjoying an ice cream, radiating charm and good mood.

His smile has transcended time and space, reaching us to share a moment of joy and warmth.

And it is this same warmth and good spirit that we strive to convey through our fragrances.

 

All the photographs of real people that are featured on our creations come from the Georges Boustany Collection.