Beirut
37428
225836038
2008-07-15T16:56:55Z
Blofeld of SPECTRE
1616157
note
{{update}}
{{Coor title dms|33|53|13|N|35|30|47|E|type:city_scale:50000}}
{{otheruses1|the Lebanese city}}
{{Infobox Settlement
| official_name = Beirut
| native_name = بيروت
| other_name= <small>Beyrouth <small>(French)</small></small>
| image_skyline = Beirutcity.jpg
| imagesize=300px
|image_flag =
|image_seal =
| image_map =
| image_caption =
| mapsize =
| map_caption = Location in Lebanon. The surrounding district can be seen on the map.
| image_shield =
| shield_size =
| pushpin_map=Lebanon
| pushpin_mapsize=300
|subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]]
|subdivision_type1 = [[Governorates of Lebanon|Governorate]]
|subdivision_name = {{flag|Lebanon}}
|subdivision_name1 = [[Beirut Governorate|Beirut, Capital City]]
| leader_title = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name = Abdel Mounim Ariss<ref>[http://www.beirut.gov.lb/www.beirut.gov.lb/MCMSENdir1/Municipal+Council/ Word from the President], Beirut.gov.lb</ref>
| area_note =
| area_magnitude =
| area_total_km2 = 100
|area_total_sq_mi = 31
| area_land_km2 =
| area_water_km2 =
| population_as_of = 2007
| population_total = 1250000
| population_metro = 1500000
| population_density_km2 = 12500
| timezone = +2
| utc_offset =
| timezone_DST = +3
| utc_offset_DST =
| latd= 33|latm= 53|lats= 13|latNS=N
| longd= 35|longm= 30|longs= 47|longEW=E
|elevation_m =
|elevation_ft =
| latitude = 33°53' N
| longitude = 35°30' E
| website = [http://www.beirut.gov.lb City of Beirut]
| footnotes =
}}
'''Beirut''' ({{lang-ar|بيروت}}, ''Bayrūt'', [[Greek language|Greek]]: Βηρυττός ''Viryttós'', {{lang-fr|Beyrouth}}, [[Syriac language|Syriac]]: ܒܝܪܘܬ) is the [[capital]] and [[largest city]] of [[Lebanon]] with a population of over 1,250,000 as of 2007. Located on a [[peninsula]] at the midpoint of Lebanon's coastline with the [[Mediterranean sea]], it serves as the country's largest and main [[seaport]] and also forms the Beirut District area which comprises of the city and its suburbs. The first mention of this metropolis is found in the [[ancient Egypt]]ian [[Tell el Amarna]] letters, dating to the 15th century BC, and the city has been continuously inhabited over the centuries since.
Beirut holds Lebanon's seat of government and plays a central role in the Lebanese economy with its Downtown, Hamra, Verdun, and Ashrafieh based corporate firms and banks. The city is also the focal point of the region's cultural life, renowned for its press, theaters and cultural activities. After the destructive [[Lebanese civil war]], Beirut underwent major reconstruction,<ref>[http://www.macalester.edu/courses/geog61/jmhamilton/reconstruct.html Reconstruction of Beirut], Macalester College</ref><ref>[http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2004-10/2004-10-27-voa47.cfm?CFID=234705748&CFTOKEN=74239565 Lebanon's Reconstruction: A Work in Progress], VOA News</ref><ref>[http://worldviewcities.org/beirut/elipsis.html Beirut: Between Memory and Desire], Worldview</ref> and the redesigned historic city center, marina, pubs and nightlife districts have once again rendered it a popular tourist attraction.
== History ==
Originally named '''Bêrūt''', "The Wells" by the [[Phoenicia]]ns,<ref>[http://www.999beirut.com/about/ History - Beirut], 999Beirut</ref><ref name=LebanonLinks>[http://www.lebanonlinks.com/country/beirut_history_beyrouth.html History of Beirut], Lebanon Links</ref> Beirut's history goes back more than 5000 years.<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9404E2D9103EF930A15751C0A961958260 Under Beirut's Rubble, Remnants of 5,000 Years of Civilization], The New York Times</ref><ref name=LebEmbU.S.>[http://www.lebanonembassyus.org/country_lebanon/history.html Profile of Lebanon: History] Lebanese Embassy of the U.S.</ref> Excavations in the [[Beirut Central District|downtown]] area have unearthed layers of Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, Arab and Ottoman remains.<ref>[http://wwwlb.aub.edu.lb/~webpubof/research/21report/as/hist_projects.html Research Projects - History and Archeology], American University of Beirut (AUB)</ref> The first historical reference to Beirut dates from the 14th century BC, when it is mentioned in the [[Cuneiform script|cuneiform]]<ref name=LebEmbU.S. /> tablets of the "[[Amarna letters]]." [[Ammunira]] of '''Biruta'''<ref>[http://www.case.edu/univlib/preserve/Etana/encyl_biblica_l-p/philologus-pildash.pdf Encylodaedia Biblica], Case Western Reserve University</ref> (Beirut) sent 3 letters to the pharaoh of Egypt.<ref>[http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/PER_PIG/PHOENICIA.html?locale=es Phoenicia], Jrank.org</ref> Biruta is also referenced in the letters from [[Rib-Hadda]] of [[Byblos]]. The most ancient settlement was on an island in the river that progressively silted up. The city was known in antiquity as '''Berytus''' (see also [[List of traditional Greek place names]]); this name was taken in 1934 for the archaeological journal published by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the [[American University of Beirut]].<ref>[http://ddc.aub.edu.lb/projects/archaeology/berytus-back/berytus39/ Berytus Archeological Studies], American University of Beirut (AUB)</ref>
In 140 BC, the city was taken and destroyed by [[Diodotus Tryphon]] in his contest with [[Antiochus VII Sidetes]] for the throne of the [[Seleucid]] monarchy. Beirut was soon rebuilt on a more regularized [[Hellenistic]] plan, renamed '''Laodicea in Phoenicia''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Λαοδικεια ή του Φοινίκη) or '''Laodicea in Canaan''', in honor of a Seleucid [[Laodice]]. The modern city overlies the ancient one and little archaeology had been accomplished until after the end of the civil war in 1991; now large sites in the devastated city center have been opened to archaeological exploration. A dig in 1994 established that one of Beirut's modern streets, Souk Tawile, still follows the lines of an ancient Hellenistic/Roman one.
Mid-first century coins of Berytus bear the head of [[Tyche]], goddess of fortune; on the reverse, the city's symbol appears: a dolphin entwines an anchor. This symbol was taken up by the early printer [[Aldus Manutius]] in 15th century [[Venice]].
[[Image:Beirut-Roman-Bath.jpg|right|thumb|Roman baths in downtown Beirut]]
Beirut was conquered by Agrippa in 64 BC and the city was renamed in honor of the emperor's daughter, Julia; its full name became Colonia Julia Augusta Felix Berytus.<ref name=DTBcom /><ref name=LPlanet>[http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/middle-east/lebanon/beirut?v=print Beirut Travel Information], [http://www.lonelyplanet.com Lonely Planet]</ref><ref>[http://ukar.ff.cuni.cz/EN/proj-beirut.html Czech excavations in Beirut, Martyrs' Square], Institute for Classical Archaeology></ref> The veterans of two Roman legions were established in the city: the fifth Macedonian and the third Gallic. The city quickly became Romanized. Large public buildings and monuments were erected and Berytus enjoyed full status as a part of the empire.<ref name=DTBcom>[http://www.downtownbeirut.com/AboutBeirut.html About Beirut and Downtown Beirut], DownTownBeirut.com. Retrieved November 17th, 2007</ref>
Under the Romans, it was enriched by the dynasty of [[Herod the Great]], and was made a ''[[colonia (Roman)|colonia]]'', '''Colonia Iulia Augusta Felix Berytus''', in 14 BC. Beirut's school of law was widely known at the time.<ref>[http://student.britannica.com/comptons/article-230135 Beirut], Britannica.com</ref> Two of Rome's most famous jurists, [[Papinian]] and [[Ulpian]], both natives of Phoenicia, taught at the law school under the [[Severan]] emperors. When [[Justinian I|Justinian]] assembled his ''[[Pandects]]'' in the 6th century, a large part of the corpus of laws were derived from these two jurists, and Justinian recognized the school as one of the three official law schools of the empire (533). Within a few years, as the result of a disastrous earthquake (551),<ref name=LebEmbU.S. /><ref name=DTBcom /><ref>[http://www.fullbooks.com/History-of-Phoenicia7.html History of Phoenicia], fullbooks.com. Retrieved November 17th, 2007</ref> the students were transferred to [[Sidon]].<ref>[http://www.ikamalebanon.com/national_heritage/south_nh/sth_cities_nh/saida.htm Saida (Sidon)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Saida (Sidon)], [http://www.ikamalebanon.com Ikama]About 30,000 were killed in Berytus alone and, along the Phoenician coast, total casualties were close to 250,000.<ref name=LPlanet />
[[Image:Beyrouth-histoire1.jpg|thumb|left|View of Beirut with snow-capped [[Mount Sannine]] in the background - 19th century]]
Beirut passed to the [[Arab]]s in 635.<ref name=BritUKBeir>[http://www.britannica.com/ebc/article-9356914 Beirut], Britannica.com</ref><ref name=LPlanet /> As a trading centre of the eastern [[Mediterranean]], Beirut was overshadowed by [[Acre (city)|Akka]] during the [[Middle Ages]]. From 1110 to 1291 it was in the hands of the [[Crusades|Crusader]]s.<ref name=BritUKBeir /> No matter who was its nominal overlord, whether Turk or [[Mamluk]], Beirut was ruled locally by [[Druze]] emirs.<ref>[http://www.druzeheritage.org/dhf/Druze_History.asp Druze History], DHF Druze Heritage Foundation</ref> One of these, [[Fakr ed-Din Maan II]], fortified it early in the 17th century,<ref name=JJ>[http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/BEC_BER/BEIRUT.html Beirut], Jrank.org</ref> but the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] retook it in 1763 and thenceforth,<ref name=JJ/> with the help of [[Damascus]], Beirut successfully broke Akka's monopoly on Syrian maritime trade and for a few years supplanted it as the main trading centre in the region. During the succeeding epoch of rebellion against Ottoman hegemony at Akka under [[Jezzar Pasha|Jezzar]] and [[Abdullah Pasha|Abdullah]] pashas, Beirut declined to a small town (population about 10,000), and was fought over among the Druze, the Turks and the pashas.
After [[Ibrahim Pasha]] captured Akka in 1832,<ref>''Corpus Inscriptionum Arabicarum Palaestinae'', by Moshe Sharon</ref> Beirut began its early modern revival.
[[Image:Grand serail solidere 6.jpg||thumb|View of Beirut's [[Grand Serail]]- 19th century]]
In 1888, Beirut was made capital of a [[vilayet]] in Syria,<ref>[http://www.macalester.edu/courses/geog61/jmhamilton/modern.html Modern Beirut], Macalester College</ref> including the [[sanjak]]s Latakia, [[Tripoli, Lebanon|Tripoli]], Beirut, Akka and Bekaa.<ref name=LebanonLinks /> Beirut became a very cosmopolitan city and had close links with [[Europe]] and the [[United States]]. Beirut became a centre of [[missionary]] activity, which was generally very unsuccessful in conversions (a massacre of Christians in 1860 was the occasion for further European interventions), but did build an impressive education system. This included the Syrian Protestant College, which was established by American missionaries and eventually became the American University of Beirut (AUB). Beirut became the centre of Arab intellectual activity in the 19th century. Provided with water from a British company and gas from a French one, the city thrived on exporting [[silk]] grown on nearby Mount Lebanon. After French engineers established a modern harbor (1894) and a rail link across Lebanon to Damascus, and then to [[Aleppo]] (1907), much of the trade was carried by [[France|French]] ships to [[Marseille]], and soon French influence in the area exceeded that of any other European power. In 1911, the population mix was reported in the ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]'' as Muslims, 36,000; Christians, 77,000; Jews, 2500; Druze, 400; foreigners, 4100. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire following [[World War I]], Beirut, along with all of Lebanon was placed under the [[French Mandate of Lebanon|French Mandate]].
Lebanon achieved independence in 1943 and Beirut became its capital city. Beirut remained the intellectual capital of the Arab world and a major commercial and tourist center until 1975 when a brutal [[Lebanese Civil War|civil war]] broke out in Lebanon.<ref>[http://www.foreignpolicy.com/users/login.php?story_id=2809&URL=http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=2809 An Alternate Alternative History], Foreign Policy</ref><ref>[http://travel.independent.co.uk/middle_east/article84731.ece Dancing in the street], The Independent</ref> During most of the war, the city was divided between the largely Muslim west part and the Christian east.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/lebanon.htm Lebanon (Civil War 1975 - 1992], Global Security</ref> The central area of the city, previously the focus of much of the commercial and cultural activities, became a [[no man's land]]. Many of the city's inhabitants fled to other countries. In 1983, French and US [[1983 Beirut barracks bombing|barracks were bombed]],<ref>[http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/chronology-pr.cfm Terrorism - Terrorist Attacks Chronology], CDI Terrorism Project</ref><ref>[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/target/etc/cron.html Frontline: Target America: Terrorist Attacks on Americans, 1979-1988], PBS.org</ref><ref>[http://www.lebaneseforces.com/bombingofmarinebarracks.asp Historical Fact: Bombing of marine barracks, October 23, 1983], [[Lebanese Forces|lebaneseforces.com]]</ref> killing 302.{{Fact|date=November 2007}}
[[Image:SolidereMasterPlan PROMO PDF.png|thumb|right|[[Solidere]] Masterplan]]
Since the end of the war in 1990, the people of Lebanon have been rebuilding Beirut, and by the start of the [[2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict]] the city had somewhat regained its status as a [[tourism|tourist]], cultural, and intellectual center in the Middle East, as well as a center for commerce, fashion, and media. However, many would say the city has lost its premier status, due to competition from places like [[Dubai]] and [[Cyprus]] in the fields of tourism, business, fashion, commerce, and banking.{{fact|date=November 2007}} Reconstruction of downtown Beirut has been largely driven by [[Solidere]], a development company established in 1994 by [[Rafik Hariri]]. Beirut is home to the international designer [[Elie Saab]], jeweller Robert Moawad, and to some popular [[satellite television]] stations, such as LBC, Future TV, New TV and others. The city was host to the Asian Club Basketball Championship and the Asian Football Cup. Beirut also successfully hosted the [[Miss Europe]] pageant eight times, 1960-1964, 1999, 2001-2002.
The 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri near the [[Saint George Bay]] in Beirut shook the entire country.<ref name=wikiCR>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedar_Revolution], Wikipedia</ref><ref>[http://www.lgic.org/en/history_lebanon2005.php History of Lebanon (The Cedar Revolution)], LGIC. Retrieved November 19th, 2007</ref><ref>[http://watch.windsofchange.net/revolution_03.htm Watch - The Cedar Revolution], The Winds of Change. Retrieved November 19th, 2007</ref> Approximately one million people gathered for an [[Lebanese March 14 movement|opposition rally]] in Beirut, a month after the death of Hariri.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4346613.stm 'Record' protest held in Beirut], [http://news.bbc.co.uk BBC News]</ref><ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/22/AR2007112200832.html?nav=rss_email/components From Hopeful To Helpless At a Protest In Lebanon], Washingtonpost.com</ref>. The "Cedar Revolution" was the largest rally in Lebanon's history.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/03/14/lebanon.syria/index.html Hariri sister calls for justice], CNN International</ref> The last Syrian troops withdrew from Beirut on [[April 26]] [[2005]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/26/newsid_4918000/4918584.stm On This Day - 26 April], [http://www.bbc.co.uk BBC.co.uk]</ref>
== Geography ==
[[Image:BeirutRaouche1.jpg|thumb|right|Pigeons' Rock ([[Raouché]])]]
[[Image:Beirut SPOT 1113.jpg|thumb|left|Beirut seen from SPOT satellite]]
Beirut is positioned on a peninsula extending westward into the Mediterranean Sea<ref>[http://www.macalester.edu/geography/courses/geog261/efarhat/%20beirut/geography.htm Beirut - The Pearl of the Middle East<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, about {{convert|94|km|abbr=on}} north of the Lebanon-Israel border<ref>[http://geography.howstuffworks.com/middle-east/geography-of-beirut.htm Howstuffworks "Geography of Beirut"<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. The city is flanked by the Lebanon mountains, it has taken on a triangular shape, largely influenced by its situation between and atop two hills: Al-[[Ashrafieh]] and Al-Musaytibah. The Beirut Governorate area is of {{convert|18|km2|sqmi}}, and the city's metropolitan area is of {{convert|67|km2|sqmi}}<ref>[http://www.macalester.edu/geography/courses/geog261/efarhat/%20beirut/geography.htm Beirut - The Pearl of the Middle East<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. Beirut's coast is rather diverse; rocky beaches, sandy shores, and cliffs are situated beside one another.
=== Climate ===
Beirut has a [[Mediterranean climate]] characterized by a hot and humid summer, pleasant fall and spring, and cool, rainy winter. August is the hottest month of the year with a monthly average high temperature of 29 °C (85 °F), and January and February are the coldest months with a monthly average low temperature of 10 °C (50 °F). During the afternoon and evening the prevailing wind direction is from the west, i.e., onshore, or inland from the [[mediterranean| Mediterranean Sea]]; at night the wind direction reverses to offshore, i.e., blowing from the land out to the sea.
Winter is the rainy season, with major precipitation falling after December. The average annual rainfall is 860 millimetres (34.1 inches); the rainfall is concentrated during scattered days in winter falling in heavy cloudbursts.
<center><!--Infobox begins-->{{Infobox Weather
|metric_first=Yes
|single_line= Yes
|location = Beirut
|Jan_Hi_°F = 61 |Jan_Hi_°C = 16
|Feb_Hi_°F = 62 |Feb_Hi_°C = 16
|Mar_Hi_°F = 65 |Mar_Hi_°C = 18
|Apr_Hi_°F = 71 |Apr_Hi_°C = 21
|May_Hi_°F = 75 |May_Hi_°C = 23
|Jun_Hi_°F = 80 |Jun_Hi_°C = 26
|Jul_Hi_°F = 84 |Jul_Hi_°C = 28
|Aug_Hi_°F = 85 |Aug_Hi_°C = 29
|Sep_Hi_°F = 83 |Sep_Hi_°C = 28
|Oct_Hi_°F = 80 |Oct_Hi_°C = 26
|Nov_Hi_°F = 72 |Nov_Hi_°C = 22
|Dec_Hi_°F = 64 |Dec_Hi_°C = 17
|Year_Hi_°F = 73 |Year_Hi_°C = 22
|Jan_Lo_°F = 50 |Jan_Lo_°C = 10
|Feb_Lo_°F = 50 |Feb_Lo_°C = 10
|Mar_Lo_°F = 52 |Mar_Lo_°C = 11
|Apr_Lo_°F = 58 |Apr_Lo_°C = 14
|May_Lo_°F = 63 |May_Lo_°C = 17
|Jun_Lo_°F = 69 |Jun_Lo_°C = 20
|Jul_Lo_°F = 73 |Jul_Lo_°C = 22
|Aug_Lo_°F = 75 |Aug_Lo_°C = 23
|Sep_Lo_°F = 72 |Sep_Lo_°C = 22
|Oct_Lo_°F = 68 |Oct_Lo_°C = 20
|Nov_Lo_°F = 59 |Nov_Lo_°C = 15
|Dec_Lo_°F = 53 |Dec_Lo_°C = 11
|Year_Lo_°F = 62 |Year_Lo_°C = 16
|Jan_Precip_inch = 7.4 |Jan_Precip_cm = 18 |Jan_Precip_mm =
|Feb_Precip_inch = 6 |Feb_Precip_cm = 15 |Feb_Precip_mm =
|Mar_Precip_inch = 3.8 |Mar_Precip_cm = 9 |Mar_Precip_mm =
|Apr_Precip_inch = 2.0 |Apr_Precip_cm = 5 |Apr_Precip_mm =
|May_Precip_inch = 0.7 |May_Precip_cm = 1 |May_Precip_mm =
|Jun_Precip_inch = 0.1 |Jun_Precip_cm = 0.25 |Jun_Precip_mm =
|Jul_Precip_inch = 0 |Jul_Precip_cm = 0 |Jul_Precip_mm =
|Aug_Precip_inch = 0 |Aug_Precip_cm = 0 |Aug_Precip_mm =
|Sep_Precip_inch = 0.2 |Sep_Precip_cm = 0.5 |Sep_Precip_mm =
|Oct_Precip_inch = 1.9 |Oct_Precip_cm = 4 |Oct_Precip_mm =
|Nov_Precip_inch = 4.7 |Nov_Precip_cm = 11 |Nov_Precip_mm =
|Dec_Precip_inch = 6.9 |Dec_Precip_cm = 17 |Dec_Precip_mm =
|Year_Precip_inch = 34.1 |Year_Precip_cm = 86 |Year_Precip_mm =
|source =Weatherbase<ref name=Weatherbase>{{cite web
| url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=104&refer=&units=us |title =Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Beirut | publisher=Weatherbase | year=2007 | accessdate=2007-09-26 | language = English }}</ref>
|accessdate = 2007
}}<!--Infobox ends--></center>
===Neighborhoods===
Beirut is divided into twelve municipality recognized neighborhoods, these are: Ashrafieh, Beshoura, Dar el Mreyseh, Marfa’, Mazra’a, Mdawar, Mina El Hosson, Msaytbeh, Ras Beirut, Rmeil, Saifi, Zkak El Blat.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.beirut.gov.lb/www.beirut.gov.lb/MCMSAR/%D8%AD%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9+%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%AA/
| title = Beirut's Official Webcite
| accessdate = 2008-04-23 }}</ref>
Four of the twelve official [[Palestinian refugee camps]] in Lebanon are located in Beirut: [[Burj el-Barajneh]], Dbayeh, [[Mar Elias]], and [[Shatila]].<ref name=UNRWA>
{{cite web
| title = Lebanon refugee camp profiles
| publisher = [[UNRWA]]
| url = http://www.un.org/unrwa/refugees/lebanon.html
| date= [[31 December]] [[2006]]
| accessdate = 2008-04-18 }}</ref>
Of the fifteen unregistered or unofficial refugee camps, Sabra, which lies adjacent to Shatila, is also located in Beirut.<ref name=FM>
{{cite web
| url = http://www.forcedmigration.org/guides/fmo018/fmo018.pdf
| title = Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon
| publisher = Force Migration
| author = Sherifa Shafie
| accessdate = 2008-04-18 }}</ref>
==Government==
The capital Beirut is the seat of the Lebanese Parliament <ref>[http://www.lebanonpanorama.com/frame_src/english/beirut.html Beirut from the sky, Parliament Square, Ryad el Solh square<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and of the government<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,722011,00.html Great Lebanon - TIME<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, and encompasses all the Ministries, most of the public administrations, embassies and consulates.<ref>[http://www.presidency.gov.lb/presidency/links/links.htm Links<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
[[Beirut Governorate|Beirut]] is one of six mohafazah (state governorates; mohafazat, singular), with the others being [[Beqaa Governorate|Beqaa]], [[North Governorate|North Lebanon]], [[South Governorate|South Lebanon]], [[Mount Lebanon Governorate|Mount Lebanon]] and [[Nabatiye Governorate|Nabatiye]].<ref>[http://www.macalester.edu/geography/courses/geog261/efarhat/%20beirut/government.htm Beirut - The Pearl of the Middle East<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
[[Image:Beirut city hall.jpg|thumb|left|Facade of the Beirut City Hall]]
[[Image:Grand serail solidere 4.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Grand Serail]]]]
[[Image:BeirutParliament.jpg|thumb|right|Lebanese House of Speakers]]
[[Image:UNbeirut.jpg|thumb|right|United Nations headquarters in Beirut.]]
{|class="wikitable"
|+ Governors of Beirut <ref>[http://www.beirut.gov.lb/www.beirut.gov.lb/MCMSARdir1/%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%B8%D8%A9+%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%AA/ موقع مدينة بيروت الرسمي<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
!
! Name
! Took office
! Left office
|-
|1
|Kamel Abbas Hamieh
|1936
|1941
|-
|2
|Nicolas Rizk
|1946
|1952
|-
|3
|George Assi
|1952
|1956
|-
|4
|Bachour Haddad
|1956
|1958
|-
|5
|Philip Boulos
|1959
|1960
|-
|6
|Emile Yanni
|1960
|1967
|-
|7
|Chafik Abou Haydar
|1967
|1977
|-
|8
|Mitri El Nammar
|1977
|1987
|-
|9
|George Smaha
|1987
|1991
|-
|10
|Nayef Al Maaloof
|1992
|1995
|-
|11
|Nicolas Saba
|1995
|1999
|-
|12
|Yaacoub Sarraf
|1999
|2005
|-
|13
|Nassif Kaloosh
|2005
|
|}
===International organizations===
The city is home to numerous international organizations. The [[United Nations]] [[ESCWA|Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia]] (ESCWA) is headquartered in Downtown Beirut<ref>[http://www.unfpa.org/icpd5/bulletins/bulletn4.htm ICPD+5 NEWS BULLETIN], United Nations General Assembly. Retrieved November 15th, 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.escwa.org.lb/ United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia]</ref> while the [[International Labour Organization]] (ILO)<ref>[http://www.ilo.org.lb/ International Labour Organization (Lebanon)]</ref> and [[UNESCO]] (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)<ref>[http://portal.unesco.org/beirut UNESCO Beirut]</ref> both have regional offices in Beirut covering the [[Arab world]]. The [[Arab Air Carriers Organization]] (AACO) is also headquartered in Beirut.<ref>[http://www.aaco.org/contact.asp Arab Air Carriers Organization]</ref>
==Demographics==
There are wide-ranging estimates of Beirut's population, from as low as 938,940 people,<ref>[http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/dyb/DYB2003/Table08.pdf United Nations: "Demographic Yearbook 2003", page 53, 2003]</ref> to 1,303,129 people,<ref name="MOE">[http://www.moe.gov.lb/NR/rdonlyres/2B3E4CAE-BD18-4106-A6B3-F42DDD72AAC9/0/Chap1Population.pdf Lebanese Ministry of Environment: "Lebanon State of the Environment Report", Chapter 1, page 11, 2001.]</ref> to as high as 2,012,000.<ref>[http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/Lebanon-POPULATION.html Encyclopedia of the Nations]</ref> The lack of an exact figure is due to the fact that no population census has been taken in Lebanon since 1932.<ref>[http://www.moe.gov.lb/NR/rdonlyres/2B3E4CAE-BD18-4106-A6B3-F42DDD72AAC9/0/Chap1Population.pdf Lebanese Ministry of Environment: "Lebanon State of the Environment Report", Chapter 1, page 9, 2001.]</ref>
=== Religion ===
[[Image:Beirut Mosque Church.jpg|thumb|right|Mosque and Church in Downtown Beirut]]
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Maghen Abraham Synagogue.jpg|thumb|left|Maghen Abraham Synagogue]] -->
Beirut is one of the most religiously diverse cities of the [[Middle East]],<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D02EED81331F93AA25751C1A9609C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=print At Beirut Protest, a Reminder of Religious Diversity], The New York Times. Retrieved November 17th, 2007</ref> with [[Christianity|Christians]], and [[Islam|Muslims]] both having a significant presence. There are nine major religious sects in Beirut ([[Sunni Islam|Sunni Muslim]], [[Shia Islam|Shiite Muslim]], [[Druze]], [[Maronite|Maronite Catholic]], [[Greek Orthodox Church|Greek Orthodox]], [[Greek Catholic]], [[Armenian Orthodox]], [[Armenian Catholic]], and [[Protestant]]). Family matters such as marriage, divorce and inheritance are still handled by the religious authorities representing a person's faith. Calls for civil marriage are unanimously rejected by the religious authorities but civil marriages held in another country are recognized by Lebanese civil authorities.
Several decades ago, Beirut was also home to a Jewish community, in Wadi Abu Jamil neighbourhood.
Beirut has had a history of political strife due to religious divisions. Religion has historically divided Lebanese society decisively, as evident in its prolonged civil war.
== Education ==
[[Image:American University of beirut3.jpg|left|thumb|The museum of the [[American University of Beirut]]]]
Higher education in Beirut, and all over Lebanon, is provided by technical and vocational institutes, university colleges, university institutes and universities. Among these numbers of institutions nationwide, the [[Lebanese University]] is the only public institution in the capital.<ref name=UnescoEdu>{{RTFlink|[http://www.unesco.org/iau/onlinedatabases/systems_data/lb.rtf Lebanon - Education system]|26.5 [[Kibibyte|KiB]]<!-- application/rtf, 27,199 bytes -->}}, Unesco.org</ref> The responsibility of the Directorate General of Higher Education is responsible for managing the university colleges, university Institutes and Universities in Beirut and nationwide.<ref name=UnescoEdu />
Among the most famous private schools in Beirut are the [[International College]], the [[American Community School at Beirut|American Community School]], the Collège Protestant Français, the Collège Louise Wegman and the [[Grand Lycée Franco-Libanais]].
The higher education system is based on the Baccalauréat libanais but the Baccalauréat Français is accepted as an equivalent. Before being admitted to any higher education institution, one must achieve his or her Baccalauréat examinations. Baccalauréat technique is an alternative to credentials.<ref name=UnescoEdu />
Foreign students who wish to study in higher Lebanese institutions must also meet Lebanese qualifications. Their examinations must be equivalent to the Baccalauréat system before they are granted admission to higher institutions. They are not subject to any special quota system, and scholarships are granted within the framework of bilateral agreements concluded with other countries.<ref name=UnescoEdu /> Degrees obtained outside Lebanon must be certified by the Lebanese embassy abroad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Then, candidates must go in person to the Secretariat of the Equivalence Committee with required documents.<ref>[http://www.informs.gov.lb/EN/Main/SearchDB.asp?choice=ALL&check=1&route=1&txtSearch=education+lebanon Education FAQs], informs.gov.lb</ref>
Beirut is home to some of the most well-renowned universities in the middle East, such as the [[American University of Beirut]], [[Université Saint-Joseph]], [[Haigazian University]] and the [[Lebanese American University]].
== Transportation ==
{{main|Transport in Beirut}}
[[Image:Beirutairport.jpg|thumb|right|Inside the [[Beirut International Airport]]]]
The city's airport is the [[Raffic Hariri International Airport]] and is located in the southern suburbs.<ref>[http://www.beirutairport.gov.lb/historical.html History] Beirut International Airport</ref><ref>[http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/beirut_expansion/ Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY/OLBA), Beirut, Lebanon], Airport Technology</ref><ref>[http://www.wordtravels.com/Airports/Lebanon/Beirut+International+Airport Lebanon - Beirut International Airport (BEY)], [http://www.wordtravels.com worldtravels]</ref>
By land, the latter are served by either [[service taxi]] or [[taxicab]]. A service taxi is a lot cheaper than a normal taxi, however to avoid misunderstanding agreement over the pricing need to be made before setting off.<ref name=bigFire />
Beirut has frequent bus connections to other cities in Lebanon and major cities in Syria. The [[Lebanese Commuting Company]], or LCC in short, is just one of a handful brands of public transportation all over Lebanon.<ref>http://www.lccworld.com/profile.asp Company Profile], [http://www.lccworld.com LCC]</ref> On the other hand, the publicly owned buses are managed by [[OCFTC|Office des Chemins de Fer et des Transports en Commun]] (OCFTC), or the "''Railway and Public Transportation Authority''" in English.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Lebanon]</ref> Buses for northern destinations and Syria leave from Charles Helou Station.<ref>[http://www.travel-to-lebanon.com/tourism/transportation-in-lebanon/public-transportation-in-beirut.html Public transportation in Beirut], Travel-to-Lebanon.com</ref><ref>[http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/middle-east/lebanon/beirut/transport Beirut Transport], [http://www.lonelyplanet.com Lonely Planet]</ref>
Apart from the international airport, the [[Port of Beirut]] is another [[port of entry]]. As a final destination, anyone can also reach Lebanon by ferry from Cyprus or by road from Damascus.<ref name=bigFire>[http://www.ikamalebanon.com/info/transportation.htm Transportation & Communication], [http://www.ikamalebanon.com Ikama]</ref>
==Culture==
Beirut has been exposed to cultural changes due to contacts with many civilizations. As mentioned under the history of Beirut, this city had interacted with cultures from the Greeks to the Romans and, presently, to the Arabs. Not only was there a law school under the Romanized Berytus, it was also believed to be the first law school in the world. Because of this, this is currently part of the cultural pride of the Lebanese.<ref name=TripAdvisor>[http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294005-s202/Beirut:Lebanon:Culture.html Inside Beirut: Culture], tripadvisor</ref>
Beirut hosted the [[Francophonie]] and the Arab League summits in 2002. In 2007, Beirut hosted the ceremony for Le Prix [[Albert Londres]]<ref>[http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/france-priorities_1/democracy-human-rights_1101/freedom-of-expression_5346/albert-londres-prizes-beirut-may-18-2007_9133.html Albert Londres Prizes], France Diplomatie</ref><ref>[http://www.ambafrance-us.org/news/briefing/us110507.asp Daily Press Briefing], Embassy of France in the U.S.</ref>, which rewards outstanding [[Francophone]] journalists every year.<ref>http://fr.news.yahoo.com/11052007/202/le-prix-albert-londres-remis-beyrouth-le-18-mai.html</ref> The city is set to host the [[Jeux de la Francophonie]] in 2009.<ref>{{fr icon}} [http://www.libanvision.com/jeux-liban.htm Les Jeux de la Francophonie au Liban
Beyrouth 2009], Libanvision</ref><ref>{{fr icon}} [http://www.moldavie.fr/article.php3?id_article=297 Les Jeux de la Francophonie], Moldavie.fr</ref>
===Museums===
[[Image:Museum (1)'.jpg|left|thumb|The National Museum of Beirut]]
The [[National Museum of Beirut]] is just a few blocks from the French Embassy and the Military Tribunal, and is found just at the corner of the Damascus Expressway.<ref name=MuseDamsc>[http://www.beirutnationalmuseum.com/e-histoire.htm History], National Museum of Beirut</ref>
<br />The American University of Beirut archaeological museum is the third oldest museum in the Middle East, it exhibits a wide range of artifacts from Lebanon and neighboring countries.<ref name=MuseumThis>[http://ddc.aub.edu.lb/projects/museum/ AUB Museum<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
<br />[[Sursock Museum]] was built by the [[Sursock]] family at the end of the 19th century as a private villa. It was then donated to the Lebanese government and now houses Beirut's most influential and popular art museum. The permanent collection shows a collection of Japanese engravings and numerous works of Islamic art, and temporary exhibitions are shown throughout the year. <ref>[http://guides.hotelbook.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=84008 Hotelbook.com - Events Guide: Sursock Museum (Sursock Museum, Beirut, Lebanon)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
<br />Robert Mouawad Private Museum exhibits [[Henri Philippe Pharaoun|Henri Pharaon's]] private archaeology and antiques collection, located near Beirut's the [[Grand Serail]].<ref>[http://www.rmpm.info/ Welcome to Robert Mouawad Private museum<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
<br />Planet Discovery is a children’s science museum. It holds interactive experiments, exhibitions, performances and workshops, and awareness competitions. <ref>[http://www.solidere.com/history/planet.html Solidere - Beirut City Center Culture - Planet Discovery<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
=== Media ===
Beirut is the main center in Lebanon for the television, newspaper, and book publishing industries. The television stations include [[Télé Liban|Tele Liban]], [[LBCI|LBC]], [[Future TV]], [[NewTV Sat|New TV]], [[Al-Manar]], ANB, NBN , and [[Orange TV|OTV]]. The newspapers include [[An-Nahar]], [[As-Safir]], Al Mustaqbal, [[Al Akhbar (Lebanon)|Al Akhbar]], [[Al-Balad (Newspaper)|Al-Balad]], [[Ad-Diyar]], Al Anwar, Al Sharq, L'Orient Le Jour and the [[Daily Star (Lebanon)|Daily Star]].
=== Sports ===
[[Image:Beirut-Sports-City.jpg|thumb|right|Opening ceremony of the 2000 AFC Asian Cup in [[Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium]]]]
Beirut, in addition to Sidon and Tripoli, hosted the [[2000 AFC Asian Cup]].<ref>[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/english/200010/21/eng20001021_53229.html China Ready to Face Tough Task in Asian Cup Bidding], People's Daily</ref><ref>[http://www.maxell.co.jp/afc/en/lebanon_football.html Lebanese Football need to make their mark in Asia], Maxell</ref> There are two stadiums in the city, [[Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium]] and [[Beirut Municipal Stadium]].
There are eight [[Football (soccer)|football]] teams in the [[Lebanese Premier League]] that are based in Beirut: [[Nejmeh]], [[Al-Ansar]], [[Al-Hikma]], [[Al Ahed]], [[Al-Mabarrah]], [[Safa (Lebanese football club)|Safa]], [[Racing Beirut]] and [[Shabab Al-Sahel]].
Beirut has two [[Basketball]] teams, Al Riyadi and Al Hikma, that participate in the premiere division of the Lebanese Basketball Championship.<ref>[http://www.riyadi.com/history.html Riyadi's History]</ref>
Other sports events in Beirut include the annual [[Beirut Marathon]],Hip ball, a weekly [[Horse racing]] at [[Beirut Hippodrome]], and [[Golf]] and [[Tennis]] tournaments that take place at [[Golf Club of Lebanon]].
Recently Beirut has taken to [[rugby league]] as well, with three out of the five teams in the [[Rugby league in Lebanon|Lebanon Championship]] based in Beirut.
Beirut was considered as a possible candidate for the [[2024 Summer Olympics]] games.<ref>[http://www.arabia.pl/english/content/view/409/16/ Interview about Lebanon], Arabia English</ref> The massive $1.2 billion Sannine Zenith project will make Lebanon capable of holding the games.<ref>[http://www.sanninezenith.com Sannine Zenith]</ref>
=== Arts & Fashion===
There are hundreds of art galleries in Beirut and its suburbs. Lebanese people are very involved in art and art production. More than 5000 fine art artists and equal artists working in music, design, architecture, theatre, film, photography and all other forms of art are producing in Lebanon. Every year hundreds of fine art students graduate from universities and institutions. Artist Workshops are flourishing all around Lebanon. In Beirut specifically, the art scene is very rich, vibrant, and diverse.
On another scale, fashion and couture are very much thriving throughout the city. Fashion houses are opening up and a number of international fashion designers have displayed their work in various fashion shows. Beirut is home to international fashion designers such as Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, and Georges Chakra.
===Tourism===
The once destroyed town center is again active. Its former reputation as a crossroads between three continents and gateway to the East has been restored and modernized. Beirut is the oft-invoked “Paris of the East”, and there is plenty of sightseeing, shopping, cuisine, and nightlife to keep a tourist within the city limits for the duration a visit to Lebanon.<ref>[http://www.destinationlebanon.gov.lb/eng/Brochures.asp Downloadable Brochures: Hidden Lebanon Brochure<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Lebanon's capital city is a vibrant, stylish metropolis, with all of the fun, fashion, and flair that a city lover could look for. All over the city, sleek, modern buildings are springing up, alongside arabesque Ottoman and French-style buildings, giving Beirut a unique style.<ref>[http://www.destinationlebanon.gov.lb/eng/Beirut/See.asp What to See & Do in Beirut<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
In [[Travel and Leisure]] magazine's [[World Best Awards 2006]], Beirut was ranked 9th best city in the world, falling just short of [[New York City]] and coming ahead of [[San Francisco]].<ref>[[Travel and Leisure]]: [http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/2006/results.cfm?cat=cities Top 10 Cities Overall]</ref> However, the list was voted upon before the [[2006 Lebanon War|war broke out in Lebanon]] that same year. Tourist numbers have recently fallen, but many continue still to visit and are returning to experience the beauty of Lebanon and Beirut. <ref>[http://www.trinitynews.ie/articles.php?tn=1&issue=6&id=417 Will tourists return to Beirut? - Trinity News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
== Famous Births ==
* [[Anna Ouroumian]], Social Entrepreneur, President and CEO of the Academy of Business Leadership.
*[[Ibrahim Ballout]], Pro European Rugby League Player, Businessman.
*[[Kriss Akabusi]], International Playboy, Athlete, Businessman.
* [[Keanu Reeves]], Canadian actor.
* [[Elie Saab]], world famous Lebanese fashion designer.
* [[Amin Maalouf]], author born in 1949.
* [[Ibrahim Maalouf]], trumpeter (nephew of Amin Maalouf)
* [[Mika (singer)|Mika]], Singer and composer born in 1983.<ref>[http://www.popworld.com/pages/mika_interview Mika Interview], Popworld</ref><ref>[http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/mika/ Yahoo! Launch]</ref>
* [[Hadi Kazemi]], Iranian actor born 1986.
* Catherine Moukheibir
* [[Serj Tankian]], Lead vocalist for the [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]] band, [[System of a Down]].<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/tankian_serj/artist.jhtml Serj Tankian], MTV</ref>
* [[Michel Elefteriades]], Greek-Lebanese politician, artist, producer and businessman.
* [[K-Maro]], Lebanese [[RnB]] singer now living in [[Canada]].
* [[Massari]], Lebanese [[Hip-Hop]] singer.<ref>[http://music-news.com/ShowReview.asp?H=Massari-Massari&nReviewID=1345&nType=4 Massari], Music News</ref>
* [[Dom Joly]], comedian and journalist.
* [[Amal Hijazi]], famous singer
* [[Don Blair]], famous American jurist and legal librarian
* [[Freddy Deeb]], professional poker player.
* [[Steve Kerr]], 5 time [[NBA]] Champion.
* [[John Dolmayan]], Drummer for the [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]] band, [[System of a Down]].
* [[Neal Conan]], American radio journalist, National Public Radio.
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Image:Beirut Downtown.jpg|[[Beirut Central District|Downtown Beirut]]
Image:Place des Martyrs Statue silhouette.jpg|[[Place des Martyrs|Martyrs statue]]
Image:Beirut Panorama.png|Panorama over Beirut
Image:BeirutAlOmari.jpg|Mohammad al-Amin Mosque
Image:Beirut sunset(5).jpg|[[Raouché]]
Image:Beirut corniche.jpg|[[Corniche|Corniche Beirut]]
Image:Beirut-Sannine.jpg|Beirut Sannine
Image:Saifivillage.JPG|[[Beirut Central District|Saifi village]]
</gallery>
==Sister cities==
* {{flagicon|Greece}} [[Athens]], [[Greece]]<ref name="twins">{{cite web| url=http://www.beirut.gov.lb/MCMSTest/Menu-Pages/SisterCitiesEN.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRORIGINALURL=%2fwww%2ebeirut%2egov%2elb%2fMCMSEN%2fTwinning%2bthe%2bCities%2f&NRNODEGUID=%7b18839037-0140-436E-A1AF-7F8F3693C3E6%7d&NRCACHEHINT=NoModifyGuest#| title=Twinning the Cities| publisher=City of Beirut| accessdate=2008-01-13}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Argentina}} [[Buenos Aires]], [[Argentina]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|France}} [[Basse-Normandie]], [[France]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|UAE}} [[Dubai]], [[United Arab Emirates]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|France}} [[Île-de-France (region)|Île-de-France]], [[France]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|France}} [[Lyon]], [[France]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|France}} [[Marseille]], [[France]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|Armenia}} [[Yerevan]], [[Armenia]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|Syria}} [[Damascus]], [[Syria]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|Russia}} [[Moscow]], [[Russia]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Quebec City|Quebec]], [[Canada]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|Iraq}} [[Baghdad]], [[Iraq]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|Jordan}} [[Amman]], [[Jordan]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|Kuwait}} [[Kuwait City]], [[Kuwait]]<ref name="twins"/>
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Los Angeles]], [[United States]]
== See also ==
* [[Beirut Nights]]
* [[Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center]]
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
== Further reading ==
* Linda Jones Hall, ''Roman Berytus: Beirut in Late Antiquity,'' 2004.
* Samir Kassir, ''Histoire de Beyrouth,'' Fayard 2003.
* [[Richard Talbert]], [[Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World]], (ISBN 0-691-03169-X), p. 69.
== External links ==
{{portalpar|Lebanon|Flag of Lebanon.svg}}
{{sisterlinks}}
* [http://www.beirut.gov.lb/www.beirut.gov.lb/MCMSEN/Home/ Official website of Beirut]
* {{wikiatlas|Lebanon}}
* {{wikitravel}}
* {{wikia|world:Beirut|Beirut}}
* {{dmoz|Regional/Middle_East/Lebanon/Beirut}}
* [http://www.macalester.edu/geography/courses/geog261/efarhat/%20beirut/geography.htm Macalester.edu]
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