1930: First commemorative sculpture was erected on Martyrs' Square in memory of Lebanese and Arab nationalists hanged during World War I by the Ottomans. 1956: President Camille Chamoun laid foundation stone of monument designed by Sami Abdel Baki which was never realised. 1960: President Fouad Chehab inaugurated the new sculpture of the Martyrs' Monument, designed by Marino Mazzacurati.