On Nov. 22, Lebanon celebrates its Independence Day, a commemoration of the country’s separation from French occupation. Despite Lebanon being recognized as an independent state since 1941, the end of the French mandate was never truly finalized until 1943 when the Constitution was rewritten and Lebanon acquired full autonomy. From there, despite being war-torn and tired, Lebanon prospered and its citizens got to live through some of the best years we have ever had from the early 40s to the mid-70s. The capital, Beirut, became the center of this progress.

Beirut’s history stretches back over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. It has been a crossroads of civilizations, influenced by Phoenicians, Romans, Ottomans, and French, among others. This rich history is reflected in the city’s architecture and archaeological sites, where Roman ruins stand next to Ottoman-era buildings and modern skyscrapers. The National Museum of Beirut showcases this complex history, housing artifacts that tell the story of a city shaped by trade, conquest, and cultural exchange.

Our capital was once called “The Paris of the Middle East” as there was no other fashion hotspot and hub of the arts quite like Beirut in the Middle East. Our little version of Paris has its Champs-Élysées that we call Hamra Street. It is still there in name and location, but we have lost major hotspots that made it an attraction, such as Piccadilly Theatre, a major venue for concerts, musicals, and plays in the 60s and 70s.

Beirut is a city of striking contrasts. Luxury boutiques stand next to war-scarred buildings, and traditional souks exist alongside modern shopping malls. The Mediterranean Sea laps against a coastline lined with both high-end resorts and informal fishing spots. The city’s skyline is a mix of minarets, church steeples, and modern high-rises, reflecting the city’s religious and architectural diversity.

Beirut is a true melting pot of cultures, religions, and traditions. The city’s population is a mosaic of Christians, Muslims, Druze, and Armenians, each contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural life. This diversity is evident in Beirut’s culinary scene, where traditional Lebanese dishes like tabbouleh and hummus are served alongside French pastries and Armenian delicacies.

These contrasts are also evident in the city’s social fabric. Beirut is a place where the wealthy and the poor live side by side, where modernity meets tradition, and where cosmopolitanism coexists with a strong sense of local identity. This dynamic tension is part of what makes Beirut so unique and compelling.

In hindsight, Lebanon today is still not a bad place. Is it how it was 50 years ago? No, but it is still a great holiday spot for people who want to go skiing in the winter, enjoy the beach in the summer, visit holy historical sights for all three Abrahamic religions, and even experience a lively nightlife. Despite the challenges faced, Beirut continues to thrive. The city’s resilience is not just about survival … it’s about a determination to live fully, rebuild, and celebrate life.

When you compare Lebanon today to Lebanon in the 60s, it almost feels like it was only a figment of our imagination of what we still hope our beloved country will develop to be like one day. But this was already the reality for us at some point. Even though Beirut has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times, my generation will rebuild it an eighth time.