Beirut

The city of Beirut has a rich history going back centuries. After a long period of Ottoman rule, the city passed to French control after World War One, and continued its role as one of the financial and trade centers of the Middle East. After Lebanon achieved its independence in 1943, it seemed Beirut would always continue being called the "Paris of the Middle East." Unfortunately, the Lebanese Civil War in 1975 devastated the city, and so vintage postcard views are highly collectible.

Thankfully, since the end of the war in 1990, the city has undergone reconstruction, and has regained its famed status as a tourist destination.