Lebanon: Unveiling the Forgotten Gem of the Middle East

Let’s immerse ourselves in a collection of photos depicting a forgotten land.

When people mention the Middle East nowadays, thoughts often turn to a region rich in oil reserves and ravaged by fierce wars. Most of us forget that this region also possesses breathtaking natural beauty, like a symphony between the land and the sea.

They say there is an enchanting “oasis” in the heart of the Middle East, and that is Lebanon. Nestled between Syria and the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Israel to the south and Cyprus to the west, Lebanon boasts a modest land area of just over 10 square kilometers.

Yet, within this small and narrow strip of land lie majestic mountain ranges, over 225 kilometers of coastline, and enchanting valleys. Everything coexists in close proximity, forming a unique ensemble that nature has gracefully compressed into Lebanon, allowing both visitors and locals to easily “bathe in the sea and climb the mountains.”

Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, with its first inhabitants dating back 5,000 years. Beirut represents the rich history and vibrant culture of the broader Middle Eastern region.

However, much has changed since 2010 when the Syrian Civil War erupted. Due to its shared border with Syria, Lebanon has also been engulfed in the flames of conflict. In the early 2010s, an estimated 2 million tourists visited Lebanon, but this number plummeted by 38% as the war escalated, directly impacting the country’s economy.

Understandably, many tourists have hesitated to visit Lebanon in recent years, but it would be a shame to overlook the beauty of this country. This is precisely why Rami Rizk, a native Lebanese, decided to pick up his camera and capture the pristine beauty of a forgotten land. The photo series is aptly named “Lebanon like never seen before.” Join me as we scroll down to behold the refreshing shades of green from this Middle Eastern nation.