Nostalgia is beautiful, but the history of Lebanon touches us for reasons that go beyond a vintage tramway gloriously making its way through the old city streets. This overpowering sense of nostalgia has more to do with being aware of living in a country that has been stabbed in the heart over and over again, and has still managed to come out of it (albeit scarred) alive – as beautiful as ever and as celebrated as ever.
Call it poetic excess, but Lebanon has always reminded me of a fierce, immensely beautiful lady that has been shot at from all directions but still manages to make her way up – time and time again. Let’s take a look back at lady Lebanon. Isn’t she lovely?
A car driving past Byblos Bank at the intersection of Hamra and Abdel Aziz Street. The former Modca Cafe is now a Jack and Jones clothing store. 1960s (Image via Josebox)
A celebration of Lebanon’s independence on November 22 in front of the Parliament building, 1943. (Image via Al Mashri)
Sheep, men in suits, and sassy women. Rue Georges Picot, 1958. (Image via National Geographic)
This photo was taken by Thomas J. Abercrombie for the National Geographic and its original description read, “For variety, few cities can match Lebanon’s bustling capital. Part Christian, part Moslem, Beirut combines East and West, ancient and modern. Contrasts stand out vividly in street scenes such as this on the Rue Georges Picot.”