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15 Surprising Facts About the City of Beirut

This Mediterranean coastal city and Lebanon鈥檚 capital is a beacon of endurance and resilience. It has lived up to its name which means 鈥渨ells鈥� or 鈥渟prings鈥�. The city of Beirut has refreshed itself to soldier on after devastating events throughout history.

Whether it be the Civil War in the 1970s, the 2006 Lebanon War, or the recent 2020 Beirut attacks, the city has time and again renewed its face of adversity.

Thus the echoes of the past play along to the rhythms of the present giving the city life through history, culture, architecture, and entertainment. Join us as we journey through the surprises of the city of Beirut below.

Here are the 15 Surprising Facts About the City of Beirut.

1. Beirut is one of the oldest cities in the world

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This is Lebanon’s largest city and the country鈥檚 capital. It hosts the seat of government and is at the center of Lebanese economic activities. It is also the country鈥檚 main seaport and is listed as a Beta + World City. This is according to the Globalization and World Cities Research Network ranking.

Moreover, Beirut has come a long way and it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. As per historical records, the city has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years. It was also one of Phoenicia’s crucial city-states.

Excavations have revealed the existence of Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, Arab, and Ottoman remains in the region. Thus the Ottoman Empire ruled the area of Beirut from the 16th century up to 1918.

What鈥檚 more, the first mention of Beirut is traced back to the Tell el Amarna letters from the Egyptian Kingdom. These letters date to the era of the 14^th to the 15^th century BC. Thus Beirut claims urbanization that goes back to at least 3,000 BC. Some of the other very old cities around the world are Damascus, Jerusalem, and Jericho.

2. The name Beirut means 鈥渨ell鈥�

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It is a name from the Canaanite dialect. Thus the word Be示er艒t translates to 鈥渨ells鈥� or 鈥渟prings鈥�. This reference stemmed from the underground water table in the region. The Phoenicians then gave it the name B锚r奴t which also means (The Wells). In the modern day, the underground water is tapped by the local communities for general use.

Additionally, the literal translation of Beirut from Hebrew is “the wells”. It originates from the root word be’erot, which is plural and its singular form is be’er meaning “well”.

3. Beirut was once dubbed the Middle Eastern Paris

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Parisian style is evident all around Beirut鈥檚 culture, architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle. This city was once famous as ‘The Paris of the Middle East’.

Thus Beirut earned its nickname because of the rich historical heritage it displays comparable to the historical charm showcased by the French capital, Paris. The fine Lebanese food and culture also add to the reason Beirut was likened to Paris.

Not to forget that the city is alive with art showings, plays, poetry nights, and more activities. These events promote and stand true to the nickname as well.

Besides the city was a French colony during World War II and has traces of French influence to date. So bear in mind that before Beirut turned into a poster child for urban disaster areas in the mid-1970s, it was once the pride of the Middle East.

4. “Kibbeh” is the must-try dish in Beirut

The Lebanese culinary scene boasts an authentic cultural history. With unique traditional flavors, spices, and zest, Lebanese cuisines have made an imprint as a favorite on the world food map. This is supported by the Lebanese food menus and restaurants present across the globe.

To add on, “Kibbeh” is the national dish. It is made from an emulsion of bulgur wheat mixed with spices and other ingredients such as fresh lamb. Many times, the meat is made into nuggets and then charcoaled, grilled, fried, or stuffed into vegetables.

With “Kibbeh” being the national dish, it is also a popular menu in Beirut. Other traditional Lebanese favorites in Beirut include Daoud Bacha. It is a meatball stew that is made with tender potatoes and peas and simmered in a flavorsome tomato sauce.

For seafood lovers, check out the best of Beirut’s Seafood Restaurants.

5. It is a seaport city, the largest in Lebanon

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Beirut is a coastal city that lies on the southeastern coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. The metropolitan area sits on a small peninsula which is mostly made up of sedimentary rock layers. These rocks have been deposited over the past 100 million years or thereabouts.

The municipality area forms a triangular shape overlooking the Mediterranean. The metro area has a population of about 2,421,354 people as of 2023 reports. This makes it the most populated and largest city in Lebanon whose population is more than five million people.

As the largest seaport of Lebanon on the Mediterranean鈥檚 eastern shores, it offers stunning sea views of the city and its surroundings. This location is a gateway to the beautiful beaches that are dotted on the city鈥檚 coastline.

6. Beirut鈥檚 architecture transcends different cultures

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Lebanon and by extension, Beirut carry historical, cultural, and religious influences that have affected the architecture of the area. Thus some buildings and structures speak of the various hands of leadership that Lebanon has gone through.

Subsequently, there is infrastructure that is evidence of the presence of the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and Umayyads. Also, the Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, and French who once lived in Beirut and throughout Lebanon. There is also dense modern and contemporary architecture visible all around the city.

These architectural glories include temples, castles, churches, and mosques. Magnificent architecture can also be spotted in hotels, museums, souks (markets), government structures, residences, palaces, and even towers. Specific examples are such as thermae, which were bathing facilities during the Roman rule.

Other examples of outstanding architecture in Beirut include the Nicolas Sursock Museum. It has a beautiful handmade exterior finish like the stained windows. La Maison Rose is another historic landmark and there are many more.

7. The Corniche is synonymous with leisure strolls and breathtaking views

Within Beirut鈥檚 CBD (Central Business District), The Corniche Beirut is a pleasant spot for leisure strolls. It is also perfect for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding landscapes.

This waterfront is lined with palm trees that enrich the fresh air of the sea. From this location, you can immerse yourself in unparalleled views of the sea. Not only that, the summits of Mount Lebanon on the east side are visible from the Corniche.

The Doha Corniche is another Middle Eastern spectacle worth noting.

8. Beirut is also famed for its wine flavors

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The Lebanese wine industry has gained international prominence especially because of the red wines of the acclaimed Ch芒teau Musar. For generations, this brand has treated the world with the originality of world-class white and red wine tastes.

The vineyards in Beirut and throughout Lebanon thrive because of the ideal weather conditions of the Mediterranean climate. This enhances a conducive environment for the Native grape varieties.

Thus the grapes ripen well and there is little to no need for pesticides. At night, the high altitude ensures a coolness that retains a balanced acidity and fresh aroma for a tasty sip with every glass.

9. The Pigeon Rocks are a natural picturesque territory

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These rocks are a natural formation and one of the most famous landmarks in Beirut and Lebanon. The iconic rocks stand in Beirut’s westernmost tip, off the coast of Raouch茅 which earns them the name, Rock of Raouch茅. Their other popular name is the Pigeon Rocks.

The two limestone outcrops are Beirut鈥檚 sentinels and the only natural offshore rock formations throughout Lebanon. They are impressive, with one of the rocks having an archway eroded through it, making this sight prime for selfies and snaps by locals and visitors alike.

10. Hamra Street is Beirut鈥檚 heartbeat

Both locals and tourists appreciate this street for its commercial, cultural, and entertainment life. Though no longer bearing the glory of the “Paris of the Middle East”, it is still worth spending time on the street.

On top of that, Hamra Street is full of shops making it a shopper鈥檚 destination in the city. There are credible bookstores, jewelry shops, Lebanese handicraft stores, and countless restaurants, cafes, and eateries.

11. The Lebanese Civil War left Beirut with lifelong scars

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The Lebanese Civil War started in 1975 and ended in 1990. It left the country devastated including its capital city, Beirut. Infrastructure was destroyed, fatalities reached highs of 120,000 people and about one million people fled the country.

To boot, the architectural and demographic structure of the city and the entire country has seen major uplifts in recent decades. Yet the effects of the nation鈥檚 Civil War left the country never the same again. This war marked the start of the country鈥檚 unending conflicts.

Thus, other disputes that have taken a toll on the city of Beirut consist of the 2006 Lebanon War and the massive explosion in the Port of Beirut in 2020. But Beirut has stood the test of time and shows its resilience as it keeps bouncing back from its adversities.

12. Beirut鈥檚 urban history is at risk of disappearing

The historical architecture of the city鈥檚 buildings is threatened by each wave of demolitions that strikes the city. For example, the 2020 blast brought down the 157-year-old Bustros Palace which housed the Foreign Ministry.

To add on, the 19th-century Sursock Palace which had recently reopened after many years of renovation was also damaged during the 2020 explosion. About 157 citizens lost their lives while more than 5,000 people were injured.

More to it, over 6,200 buildings in Beirut experienced some form of damage including historical facilities. Thus according to a report by the Middle East publisher, The National on August 11, 2020, Beirut鈥檚 dwindling heritage is on the verge of disappearing. This is propelled by wars which may in the end render historical structures too costly to renovate.

The National鈥檚 2020 interview with activist and founder of Save Beirut Heritage NGO:

鈥淣ow every single building that I鈥檝e worked for and managed to save and had lawsuits against [me] while fighting for it, is either half gone or mostly gone or quarter gone,鈥� Naji Esther lamented.

13. Beirut’s Roman Baths are properly preserved

In the middle of the city鈥檚 downtown is where the Roman Thermae’s ruins are located. These Roman Baths are a perfect representation of the ancient Roman remains. They were discovered in 1968 and henceforth, they have become some of the most significant and well-preserved Roman Baths around the world.

14. Beirut has a deep-rooted market culture

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The Beirut markets or as locally known as souks cover an entire district in the city center. You can find everything in these markets like spices, textiles, artisan crafts, jewelry, street food, random bargains, and a lot more items.

Some of these popular Beirut open-air markets include Souk El Tayeb which is an open-air farmers market focused on organic produce. Souk El Ahad is appreciated for its second-hand items. Bourj Hammoud is another market that celebrates Beirut鈥檚 ethnic and culinary diversity. It is lined with vendors selling anything and stalls full of herbs, spices, and street food.

15. Beirut鈥檚 nightlife is electrifying

The city鈥檚 nightlife scene is characterized by stylish hotspots, live music venues, and rooftop bars. This guarantees an unforgettable night experience in Beirut.

These surprising facts about the city of Beirut paint the image of a city that subscribes to resilience. Fighting to rise above its challenges and a testament to strength by moving beyond its low moments.