How did Beirut’s population change during the 19th century?

During the 19th century, Beirut experienced significant population growth, transforming from a small village into a major urban center. At the beginning of the century, following a period of decline under Ottoman rule, the city had shrunk to a population of approximately 6,000.1

The city's expansion was driven by the Industrial Revolution in Europe and the commercial opportunities that followed the Egyptian occupation of Syria (1832–1840). By 1848, the population had increased to about 15,000 as the city began to outgrow its walls.1

Further population growth occurred in the latter half of the century, notably following the 1860 civil wars in the mountains, which led to a large influx of Christian refugees. By the turn of the 20th century, Beirut had grown into a city of approximately 120,000 people. This period of development also saw the establishment of major educational institutions, such as the American University of Beirut and St. Joseph University, which contributed to the city's emergence as a regional intellectual and cultural hub.12