Throwback to 2016: Beirut.com Stories That Have Us Feeling Nostalgic AF
This is the one trend we hope never goes away. 2026 is the new 2016, and though it might be some recession indicator, we’re going to set that aside for a second so we can enjoy the nostalgia.
For those who don’t know, Beirut.com has been around for a long time and is actually Lebanon’s first-ever guide. Our website dates content back to 2011, but we’ve been around for much longer (2002 to be exact…so we’re officially setting the record straight about which guide platform has been around the longest lol). Let’s throw it back to 2016 and spotlight some of our favorite articles from that era.
1. Transgender Individuals Now Legally Allowed To Change Genders In Lebanon
The Lebanese court of appeals has decided that a citizen could change his gender legally and officially. The individual was granted the right to be listed as male in all official capacities.
2. Here’s Why Everyone Was So Horrible To Miss Lebanon 2016
Drama erupted around Miss Lebanon 2016 as the public turned on Sandy Tabet in one of the most brutal pageant years ever.
3. 5 Must-Try Shawarmas In Lebanon
There has never been a shortage of food guides on our platform, and some of the spots on this list are still a go-to to this day. Others we forgot existed, but the article definitely unlocked so many memories of places that once took over Lebanon.
4. 13 Hilarious Twitter Reactions To Leonardo DiCaprio Winning An Oscar
We can’t believe we forgot about all the hilarious reactions to Leonardo DiCaprio winning an Oscar back in 2016. Now all the jokes are about him dating <25-year-olds.
5. Support The First Suicide Prevention Hotline In Lebanon
Supporting the Embrace hotline since its development, we actually wrote about the country’s first suicide prevention hotline and why its launch mattered for mental health support in the country.
6. 3 Generations React To Ziad Rahbani’s ‘Bel Nesbe La Boukra Chou’
A look at how different age groups respond to one of Ziad Rahbani’s most iconic works. His legacy will live on despite his passing in July 2025.
7. 7 Of The Most Insulting Pictures Of Tabbouleh Ever
When food blogs were huge and non-Lebanese people decided that they wanted to make tabbouleh, they made travesties instead. This should’ve been a hate crime.
8. Lebanon’s Unsung Hero: The French Fries Sandwich
One of the most underrated sandwiches in Lebanon that you literally won’t find anywhere else. This is a tribute to the humble fries sandwich and its undeniable place in Lebanese comfort food culture.
9. Minister Of Environment Machnouk Is Blocking Everyone On Twitter
Who remembers that time former Minister of Environment Mohamad Machnouk went on a Twitter blocking spree? Unfortunately, a lot of the reactions that were tweeted no longer exist. We’re not sure if they were deleted or if those accounts were deactivated.
10. Who’s Really In Power? Gender Stereotypes And Lebanese Pop Culture
This piece dives into how stereotypes show up in music, TV, and social media, and asks the big question: who really holds the power? It references a bunch of popular music videos during that era.
11. 12 Hilarious Twitter Reactions To Nadine Njeim’s Sexist Remarks
Remember when Nadine Njeim stated in a televised interview that men should have premarital sex, while women shouldn’t? In case you’ve always disliked her and could never put your finger on why, here’s a solid reason.
We’re honestly loving this 2016 trend. It gave us a chance to look back at our content from 10 years ago, and we’re happy that we’ve always stayed true to who we are as Beirut.com. Our team members change, the city evolves, and the internet definitely looks different, but our commitment to sharing the best of Lebanon—the stories, the food, the culture, and the chaos—hasn’t wavered.
Revisiting these 2016 gems reminds us why we do what we do, and why some trends are just too good to ever let go.
Our Timeline Feature
Did you know that you can browse through all of our older content? Our website is like an archive of everything that’s been going on in Lebanon. If you’re curious about the stories we’ve shared from 2011 until today, our website has a “Time Machine” feature that lets you explore it all. You can browse older content, from food and culture to city happenings.
Click here for a quick tutorial on how to use it!
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