These Magical Photos Of Old Beirut Will Transport You To Another World
The evolution of Beirut is remarkable. Let’s forget about the war for just a moment, and all the clichéd bullet-ridden buildings and metaphors that romanticize our suffering, and remember Beirut from 1910 to the 1960s when there was a little more beauty and a little more peace. Here is part one of a weekly series of old Beirut to wrap up 2016 on a high, and with a whole lot of optimism.
1. This remarkable old map of Beirut – 1911
Image via discusmedia.com
2. And this map of Beirut – 1923
Image via seifandbeirut.wordpress.com
3. This old Lebanese train – 1970s
Image via oldbeirut.com
4. This silent footage of Beirut – 1920s
via Joey Ayoub on YouTube
5. A classic: Saint George Yacht Club & Marina
Image via edition.cnn.com
6. Just chillin’. Lebanon – 1941
Image via @oldbeirutlebanon on Instagram
7. Gotta have that old AUB pic – and I mean really old – 1910 to be precise.
Image via blogbaladi.com
8. Again, you have just got to love our old trams (subtly hints at the government).
Image via rresistible.alrifai.com
9. The jewelry souks – 1960s
Image via rresistible.alrifai.com
10. Sour – 1920
Image via discoverlebanon.com
11. Police officer – 1955
Image via oldbeirut.com
12. Phoenicia Hotel, 1960s
Image via oldbeirut.com
From old maps to trains and markets, a small part of us – whether we’re young or old – can’t seem to let go of what Beirut once was even if we only know it through black and white photos and our grandmother’s old tales. Let’s use this little reminder to smile, and try and feel just a tiny bit hopeful as the New Year approaches.
