UNEF (United Nations Emergency Force) Captain Gord Jenkins stayed in Beirut between 1965 and 1966 and kept a diary of his stay with his wife Jan which includes a lot of awesome and rare pictures. Here’s what he said about Lebanon:
Beirut Lebanon had become increasingly important for 115 ATU and -instead of Cairo- Beirut became the main closest supply base for parts ,equipment and food- if you had the money in those days you could buy anything in Beirut. There also was a rest camp in the cool Lebanese hills behind Beirut fot UNEF 1 troops.
Beirut in 1965 and 1966 was quiet and bustling crossroads city – fascinating place to be in – and my wife Jan and I were there – and stayed there for an extended posting.
I selected 10 of the 100+ pictures found in his archives.
Sporting Club – Beirut
Beirut Airport
Martyrs Square
Beirut Corniche 1965
Beirut Airport
The old Carlton Hotel
Wow. . They managed to fuck it up in just 50 years. .
Looked like a true 1st world country at one point in time, thanks for sharing.
I wonder if Lebanon can go back to that golden era. Personally, I don’t think so. So many things changed since then, from demographic to social-economic factors etc… which has forced this country to have a new face, less beautiful than before, unfortunately.
Oh what lovely memories thank you so much ! would love to see some more. Thanks 🙂