Stuff We Love
Mia Arawi

31 Magical Photos Of Old Beirut

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


Image via Facebook