The first railway was built in Lebanon while it was part of the Ottoman Empire. The French-established Société des Chemins de fer Ottomans économiques de Beyrouth- Damas-Hauran was granted a concession in 1891. In the beginning of August 1895 the first train took off from the port of Beirut to Rayak railway station. In 1942 this railway got connected with the rest of the Arab world, Europe, and Africa. It served as a basic means of transportation at that time. The railway became a part of the Intercontinental rail circle transporting people and goods, rulers and their armed forces.
Photos:
Eddy Choueiri
Archives of NGO Train/Train Lebanon