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.
1. The Manara Corniche, 1970s
Image via oldbeirut.com
2. Fakhreddin Street, 1960
Image via delcampe.net
3. Beirut race track, 1920
Image via adonis49.wordpress.com
4.Rue Georges Picot, 1960s
Image via oldbeirut.com
5. Ouzai Beach, 1970
Image via souar.com
6. St. Georges Hotel, 1970
Image via delcampe.net
7. Beirut, 1960s
Image via delcampe.net
8. Hamra, 1970
9. AUB, undated
10. Spinney’s, date unknown
Image via amalization.com
11. Martyr’s Square, 1960
Image via oldbeirut.com
12. This magical old painting of Zaytouni – 1950s
Image via now.mmedia.com
13. Phoenicia Hotel – 1960s
Image via LIFE Magazine
14. The oldest photo we’ve managed to find of St Georges Hotel!– 1940s
Image via oldbeirut.com
15. Lebanese Army on Bliss Street – 1958
Image via LIFE Magazine
16. Beirut hotels – date unknown.
Image via LIFE Magazine
17. 1970s – with the Holiday Inn looking fresh and alive
Image via oldbeirut.com
18. Young Sabah – date unknown
Image via dailymail.co.uk
19. This remarkable old map of Beirut – 1911
Image via discusmedia.com
20. And this map of Beirut – 1923
Image via seifandbeirut.wordpress.com
21. This old Lebanese train – 1970s
Image via oldbeirut.com
22. This silent footage of Beirut – 1920s
via Joey Ayoub on YouTube
23. A classic: Saint George Yacht Club & Marina
Image via edition.cnn.com
24. Gotta have that old AUB pic – and I mean really old – 1910 to be precise.
Image via blogbaladi.com
25. Again, you have just got to love our old trams (subtly hints at the government).>
Image via rresistible.alrifai.com
26. The jewelry souks – 1960s
Image via rresistible.alrifai.com
27. Police officer – 1955
Image via oldbeirut.com
28. Phoenicia Hotel, 1960s
Image via oldbeirut.com
29. Dedicated to all expats who wish they were home: Beirut Airport – 1968
Image via @oldbeirutlebanon on Instagram
30. Also dedicated to the expats. Middle East Airlines advert – 1976
Image via pinterest.com
31. ’Tis the season… for awful weather and floods! Beirut – late 60s