Beirut, Lebanon
According to abbreviationfinder, Beirut is the capital and largest city of the Lebanese Republic. It has a population of more than a million and a half residents. It is the main seaport in the country.
The city was destroyed during the Lebanese Civil War and divided between western (Muslim) and eastern (Christian) Beirut.
History
It is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, along with Belgrade (Serbia), Byblos (Lebanon), Aleppo (Syria), Susa (Iran), Sidon (Lebanon), Luxor (Egypt) and Jericho (Palestine) .
Already from 3000 a. n. and. there were settlements of families. In 1400 a. n. and. it is referred to as Bairuth. In the 1st century BC. n. and. it was invaded by the Roman Empire, who named it Berytus. A century later it is mentioned by its original name (Beirut).
Geography
The Capital of the Lebanese Republic is an active city that conglomerates more than a million and a half residents. Its location, in the entire center of the country, makes it a strategic place without competition in the region, it is surrounded by mountains and at its feet the Mediterranean Sea extends, enriched with a trajectory of more than five thousand years of history, which turned it into the most imposing city on the Canaanite-Phoenician coast for many centuries.
Location
The capital of Lebanon is located on the shores of the Mediterranean, in the Bay of Saint George, to the north of the triangular rocky promontory that emerges from the Lebanon mountain range.
Climate
The climate in Beirut is Mediterranean, characterized by hot and sunny summers, generally temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius.
As an annual average, this coastal city reaches 300 days of sunshine. Winters in Beirut, however, are much colder. Unless you want to go skiing, the best time to visit Beirut is between April and November.
Culture
The Lebanese capital today has a significant number of newspapers and publications in 4 languages: Arabic, English, French and Armenian. Beirut’s five universities contribute to teaching the different branches of science and innovating intellectual production. The development of the arts, cinematography, music and plastic arts consolidates the cultural heritage that allows us to experience a continuous advance of the city. Among its natural conditions, the city makes it possible to create a favorable environment for regional and international conventions and congresses.
It is home to numerous international organizations, such as the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) which has its headquarters in the city center, the International Labor Organization (ILO) and UNESCO have regional offices. in Beirut, spanning the Arab world. The Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) also has its headquarters in this city.
Beirut has hosted summits of the Francophonie and the Arab League. It will be a candidate to host the Olympic Games of 2024.
Cultural heritage
Lebanon is a multicultural country, with strong groups of Muslims and Christians living within its borders, so the Lebanese people are used to ethnic diversity, and they are more tolerant than in many other Muslim countries. Therefore, in Beirut, also women can dress more freely than in most Middle Eastern countries.
Languages
Lebanon’s diverse cultural heritage is also reflected in the number of languages spoken in the country. In addition to Arabic and French, which are the two official languages, English is also commonly understood in Beirut. See population of Lebanon.
Economic development
Beirut is the commercial, banking and financial center of the region. The trade innately part of the residents of Beirut since discovered centuries ago, the importance of their city port as a link between East and West, for the realization of all types of businesses. It became a financial, commercial and industrial center of great resonance.
The port of Beirut was conditioned for the anchorage of dozens of ships and boats. Its strategic location makes it one of the safest ports in the area.
The project for the conditioning and modernization of the port was highlighted in the country’s reconstruction plan. Another organization, equipping and expansion project was the Beirut International Airport that served the air traffic of the Lebanese airline (MEA) and many other international airlines.
At the end of the internal war that Lebanon suffered in 1975, Beirut was rebuilt in an accelerated time, keeping its central helmet as a witness to the many centuries of history.
Sightseeing
Attractions in the city
With its history dating back more than 5,000 years, Beirut is a city with deep roots buried in the soil of the Middle East. Although the city has been through difficult times, and is still not completely free from them, there are many attractions in Beirut, which are worth looking at. There are relatively well-preserved and impressive historical sites in the city, as well as theaters, concerts, and the exciting Beirut nightlife.
The nightlife in the Lebanese Capital is considered the most up-to-date in terms of services and contributions to international tourism, because between the high level of security and the excellent quality of service, the management of 3 basic and everyday languages, the culinary culture recognized worldwide, and the decision of their children to re-qualify as “Middle East Switzerland”, in 2009 Beirut won the first place as a tourist destination in the world.
Transport
Beirut is served by the Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, located south of the city. The Port of Beirut is the main seaport in the country. The city has bus lines that connect it with the rest of the country and the main cities of neighboring Syria. You can also travel by hiring the services of a taxi. Buses leaving for the north and Syria depart from the Charles Helou Station.
Nature and sports
Beirut is in many ways an open-air city. Sunbathing fills Beirut’s beaches from May to October, walks through the city’s parks add a touch of fresh air, sailboats fill the harbors, and diving in Beirut is a popular sport. Skiing around Beirut is also available from December to March. Shopping possibilities in Beirut are also good, with affordable prices and yet the high quality available, not forgetting the local Lebanese cuisine that is known all over the world.
