Bustros family

The Bustros family is a prominent Lebanese Antiochian Greek Orthodox family. One of the “Seven Families”, it is one of the original Beirut families along with the descendants of Sursock, Fernaine, Dagher, Trad, Tueni and Gebeily families, who constituted the traditional high society of Beirut. Estate holders and feudal lords by origin, today they are business owners, artists and land owners throughout the country.

The surname Bustros is believed to spring out of another name of Greek origin, Silvestros, meaning the Savior. Coming from Greece in the 1620-1630 period, a Silvestros Bishop landed in Enfeh, in north Lebanon, then settled in the old city of Beirut. The actual name is sometimes preceded with the French article "de" meaning "of the house of"; although its use is diminishing today amongst members of the family.

Several members of the Bustros Family were among the founders of Spartali & Co, an important 19th century export-import company which is active up to the present.

"Palais Bustros", or the Bustros Palace, originally one of the residences of the Fadlallah branch, is today one of the historical landmarks of Beirut. The palace houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants. The palace of Nicolas Bustros, a 1930s landmark, was demolished during the civil war (1975/1990). A third palace belonging to the Abdallah branch, has been turned into a Fitness Club.

"Rue Selim Bustros" or Bustros Street in the Achrafieh district of Beirut is one of the commercial and business hubs of the Lebanese capital. "Rue Michel Bustros" is another street in the Achrafieh district which is commonly referred to as " Talaat Accaoui "

Beirut: The Last Home Movie is a documentary about the struggles that members of the Bustros family faced living in Beirut during the Lebanese civil war.

Some Prominent Members of the Bustros family

Street name in Jaffa

• Dany Bustros, bellydancer, socialite and stage actress
• Archbishop Cyril Salim Bustros, eparch of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Beirut and Byblos.
• Michel Sassine, Son of Laurice Bustros, prominent Lebanese politician
• Jad de Bustros-Honein, from the Barhoum Melkite branch, diplomat in the Australian foreign service.
• Evelyn Bustros activist for women's rights and social reformer; former president of the Lebanese Council of Women

References