Klashinkof Boghos, also known as Boghos 008, is a Lebanese-Armenian born and living in the center of Beirut’s Armenian quarter Bourj Hammoud. He spends most of his time in the neighbourhood where you can see him in the street drinking whiskey and talking about his never-ending adventures.
Boghos is a true extraordinary character. I used to see him when walking around in Bourj Hammoud, but I never spoke to him. Then, after seeing some of his videos on Youtube, I decided to go and talk with him and take some photos.
Boghos told me that he agrees with the idea that he is crazy. He loves alcohol, which he believes makes him more alive. In his own eyes, he is the king of his neighbourhood, and no one can do anything wrong while he is around. At the same time, he is struggling a lot in his life because he does not make any money anymore.
In one of the videos, Boghus says “My Heart is tearing in blood.” I was surprised to hear that people from outside Lebanon who saw this, had sent him money to pay his bills. When I mention the word internet to him, he gets excited. After all, that is what made him a famous character outside of Bourj Hammoud.
