Beirut

Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon. As of 2014, Greater Beirut has a population of 2.5 million, which makes it the third-largest city in the Levant region and the thirteenth-largest in the Arab world. The city is situated on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coast. Beirut has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world.
beirut

Some of the key events about Beirut

  • 1860
    Sectarian violence erupted between Druze and Maronite Christians, resulting in thousands of deaths
  • 1866
    The American University of Beirut was founded, establishing a prestigious educational institution in the region
  • 1915
    Severe famine struck Beirut during World War I, causing widespread suffering and death
  • 1943
    Lebanon gained independence from France, with Beirut as its capital
  • 1960
    Beirut International Airport opened, becoming a major hub for Middle Eastern air travel
  • 1975
    The National Museum of Beirut was established, showcasing the country's rich archaeological heritage
  • 1975
    The Lebanese Civil War began, leading to 15 years of conflict and destruction in the city
  • 1982
    Israeli forces invaded and besieged Beirut, causing significant damage and civilian casualties
  • 1983
    Two truck bombings targeted U.S. and French military barracks, killing hundreds
  • 1985
    A car bomb exploded in a residential area, killing over 60 people and injuring hundreds
  • 1994
    The first Beirut International Film Festival was held, promoting Lebanese and international cinema
  • 2005
    A massive car bomb assassination killed the former Prime Minister and 21 others
  • 2006
    Israeli airstrikes heavily damaged parts of Beirut during the Lebanon War
  • 2009
    Beirut was named the top place to visit by The New York Times, boosting tourism in the city
  • 2010
    The Beirut Art Center opened, providing a platform for contemporary art in the Middle East
  • 2013
    Zaitunay Bay, a waterfront promenade and leisure destination, was completed in Beirut
  • 2015
    A garbage crisis led to widespread protests and civil unrest in the city
  • 2016
    Beirut Digital District was launched, aiming to make the city a regional tech hub
  • 2020
    Rapid reconstruction efforts began following the port explosion, demonstrating the city's resilience
  • 2020
    A massive explosion at the port of Beirut killed over 200 people and devastated large areas of the city

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Beirut Latest news

Tel Aviv hit by missile debris as peace talks continue in Lebanon

Tel Aviv hit by missile debris as peace talks continue in Lebanon

Missile fragments from Lebanon strike Tel-Aviv suburb causing injuries and property damage. US diplomat arrives for peace discussions while Biden pushes for quick end to conflict

Society, Politics • November 19 2024 , 10:35 AM  •  414 views
Secret messages and deals: How Iran tries to end Middle East border conflict

Secret messages and deals: How Iran tries to end Middle East border conflict

Iranian top officials send private messages to stop fighting on Israel-Lebanon border. US diplomats rush to negotiate peace deal while military actions continue in southern regions

Society, Politics • November 18 2024 , 04:01 PM  •  693 views
Church rebel who turned empty pews into packed services dies at 90

Church rebel who turned empty pews into packed services dies at 90

A non-traditional priest who transformed a dying London church into a thriving spiritual hub has passed away. **Donald Reeves** mixed classic Anglican traditions with modern ideas making St Jamesʼs Piccadilly a unique religious center

Society, Politics, Culture • November 15 2024 , 08:14 PM  •  484 views
Exclusive
Netanyahu makes sudden change while missiles hit both sides in Middle East conflict

Netanyahu makes sudden change while missiles hit both sides in Middle East conflict

Israeli forces hit Hezbollah site near Beirut airport while Lebanon group fires over 100 rockets back. Military actions escalate as Israelʼs prime-minister removes defense minister from office

Society, Politics • November 7 2024 , 04:37 AM  •  62201 views
BBC World Service takes millions more while editorial standards raise questions

BBC World Service takes millions more while editorial standards raise questions

British taxpayers give extra £27M to BBC World Service despite its controversial content issues. Recent incidents show concerning editorial choices in Arabic and Persian services that dont align with UK values

Society, Politics • November 6 2024 , 06:09 PM  •  347 views
Mystery surrounds Lebanese captain's night-time capture by Israeli forces

Mystery surrounds Lebanese captain's night-time capture by Israeli forces

Israeli naval forces extracted a ship captain from Lebanese territory in an unusual night-time operation. Evidence suggests the possibility of a complex intelligence scenario involving the captured maritime professional

Society, Politics • November 4 2024 , 04:35 PM  •  71 views