Template:POTD/2010-11-22
A panorama of Beirut in the late 19th century under Ottoman rule. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire following World War I, Beirut, along with the rest of Lebanon, was placed under the French Mandate. After Lebanon achieved independence on 22 November 1943, Beirut became its capital city.Photos: Maison Bonfils; Restoration: Banzoo