BEIRUT- THE CITY OF LIGHTS.

Known as the "Cultural Capital of the Arab World," "Paris of the East," and "The City of Lights," Beirut is the capital, chief port, and primate city of Lebanon. Once regarded as the center for economic, social, and cosmopolitan life, Beirut suffered many loses during the civil war from 1975 to 1990. This site attempts to explore the many different aspects of Beirut as well as the effects of the civil war on the city.

The capital and largest city of Lebanon, Beirut has a metropolitan area of 26 square miles. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Beirut has established itself as one of the leading port cities in the Middle East.

CLIMATE AND REGION:

Beirut has a wide range of geographical regions. The city is situated atop two hills, the Al-Ashrafiyah and the Al-Musaytibah, which meet to create a triangular peninsula protruding into the Mediterranean Sea. The As-Sahil, a coastal plan, borders the two mountains to the east and extends into the north from the mouth of the Nahr Al-Kalb, the Dog River, and in the south from the entrance of the Nahr Ad-Damur, or the Damur River. Beirut’s subtropical climate produces hot, humid summers and mild winters. Beirut’s rainy season, which occurs from mid-autumn to early spring, produces the majority of the annual rainfall, an average of 36 inches. In mid-winter, the average mid-day temperature rises to 62º F and reaches 51º F in the night. Beirut’s average temperature in the summer is approximately 73º F.

Considered to be the most Westernized city of the Middle East, Beirut has survived almost complete destruction numerous times but has managed to retain the reputation of being a haven for liberalism and social acceptance. Even after 15 years of civil war in which Beirut was pushed to the brink of total devastation, the city is in the process of reconstruction and re-establishing itself as the "Paris of the Middle East."