Beirut

The Lebanese capital Beirut is one of the most symbolic cities in the Middle East. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it has long served as a crossroads between East and West. With a history spanning thousands of years, Beirut is among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

The city has endured decades of turmoil, including the Lebanese civil war from 1975 to 1990, followed by recurring political and economic crises. A massive explosion at Beirut’s port in August 2020 caused widespread destruction and highlighted the city’s structural vulnerabilities.

Beirut retains a unique cultural identity as a hub for education, media and the arts and is known for its universities, flourishing publishing industry and creative communities. Its plethora of cafés and galleries attest to a vibrant civil society despite significant economic and social challenges.