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Pine Promenade in Beirut in 1890

This rare photograph, taken by the pioneering French photographer Félix Bonfils in 1890, is one of the most important visual documents depicting the features of the Pine Promenade in Beirut during the late 19th century. This was a period when the Lebanese capital was undergoing a major urban transformation under Ottoman rule, gradually moving towards modernity and openness.

The Pine Promenade, later known as the Pine Forest or Le Bois des Pins, was one of the most prominent natural havens for the residents of Beirut. It represented a vast expanse of trees stretching across the western hills of the city, making it an upscale promenade frequented by residents and travelers alike, especially with the beginnings of urban development around the Port of Beirut.

The Pine Promenade was historically linked to regulatory decisions made by the Ottoman authorities and the Beirut Sharia Court to preserve the forest, given its environmental and aesthetic importance, particularly in a bustling commercial coastal city like Beirut.

These scenes depict a city still in its formative stages, before it acquired the modern features we know today in the 20th century.

Today, the Pine Promenade holds exceptional value, not only as a natural site but also as part of the urban memory of the Lebanese people. This photograph from 1890 offers a vivid glimpse into the environment of old Beirut, documenting the city's relationship with one of its most important natural landmarks, which played a role in shaping its identity and ecological balance.

It is not merely a picture of the Pine Promenade… but a historical document that embodies the tranquil nature of Beirut before its transformation into a vibrant, modern metropolis.