Syrian janitors in Beirut

Syrian janitors (nawāṭīr) are at the very core of urban life of Beirut: they provide local services for building residents, and, since 2011, they hold the keys of the city for newcomers who have fled the war in Syria. This article explores the Syrian refuge in Beirut through its residential dimension, based on the intermediary role of janitors. First, I present how this profession has been affected by changes in the migratory strategies of Syrian people in Lebanon. Then, I examine the way in which they make it possible for other urban refugees to access the city’s resources.