Syrian Protestant College (1900) by Sarrafian BrothersAmerican University of Beirut
The Campus of the American University of Beirut (AUB)
In 1866, AUB’s campus was established on a rocky headland.
It overlooked the Mediterranean Sea.
Syrian Protestant College (1900) by Sarrafian BrothersAmerican University of Beirut
The landscape was marked by “cactus lanes and stony donkey paths.” Trees had to be planted in “holes that had to be chiseled out of solid rock.”
Each tree on AUB's campus holds a story, reflecting the journey of a small school that would go on to become the premier beacon of higher education in the Arab world.
First Lee Observatory, AUB (1874)American University of Beirut
AUB’s Historic Observatory Next to a Native Oak Tree
A 160-year-old oak, older than AUB itself, stands next to the university's historic observatory, the oldest in the Middle East.
It is older than the university itself.
Palestinian Oak (2021) by Ranim Abi AliAmerican University of Beirut
Acorns were collected from this tree, and seedlings grown from them were planted across campus. Notably, oaks make up more than half of Lebanon’s woodlands but are kept stunted by grazing.
General views of campus, 1900s (1900)American University of Beirut
Cypress Trees: AUB’s First Vision For a Green Campus
In 1886, AUB’s first president planted a triangle of native cypress trees on campus and prohibited the pruning or cutting of any tree without his permission, establishing an early commitment to environmental sustainability.
Cypress Triangle (2021) by Ranim Abi AliAmerican University of Beirut
Cypress trees can grow on highly degraded lands and are resistant to fires.
Medical Gate Road (2021) by Ranim Abi AliAmerican University of Beirut
The Carob Tree, a Tool for Learning
This carob tree was planted in 1880 by the School of Pharmacy and was used by pharmacy students studying medicinal plants at the university.
Carob tree, AUB Medical Gate (2021) by Ranim Abi AliAmerican University of Beirut
In 1964, a storm split the carob tree in half, prompting a student to write: "If I were whole, not one but many stories I would have told.” The tree re-sprouted and still stands to this day.
Banyan Tree, Assembly Hall (2021) by Ranim Abi AliAmerican University of Beirut
AUB’s Banyan Trees From Far and Wide
The Banyan trees were brought in the 1870s from India. In 1948, President Nehru visited AUB and said a few words about it in his speech.
He told his audience to “…remember when looking at this tree that everything good comes from above. The tree always sends roots from the branches to the ground.”
Eucalyptus Road (2021) by Ranim Abi AliAmerican University of Beirut
AUB Alumni Bring World Trees to Campus
In 1911, an AUB alumnus brought Eucalyptus seeds in a biscuit tin from Australia through Jerusalem.
The tree has grown into a large specimen, situated in the middle of AUB’s historic upper campus, surrounded by buildings dating all the way back to the late 19th century.
American University of Beirut campus (2008) by Communications OfficeAmerican University of Beirut
AUB's Trees Reflect the University’s Global Reach
AUB's diverse collection of trees, originating from across the globe, mirror its status as a hub of knowledge and intercultural exchange in the Middle East.
American University of Beirut campus from the sea (1955/1959)American University of Beirut
A role it has played for over 150 years and will continue to play far into the future.
Main Gate (2021) by Ranim Abi AliAmerican University of Beirut
"That They May Have Life and Have It More Abundantly"
The university's motto is "That they may have life and have it more abundantly," etched on the facade of its famous Main Gate.
The significance of the motto extends to the campus's historic trees. The thriving plant life at AUB is a testament to the collective dedication of its community, encompassing students, faculty, and staff.
This story was developed by the AUBotanic, in collaboration with the AUB University Libraries.
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