While some Arab countries are developing at the speed of light - shout out to the UAE, classified as one of the fastest developing countries by the United Nations - other countries seem to be moving backward.

Countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Palestine still refer to the 1900s as the Golden Age in retrospect to present times. 

Change is mandatory and inevitable; yet sometimes, when it's regressive change, we are left to reminisce over photos. 

Take a look at these 10 photographs which prove Arabs were progressive and modern in the past: 

1. Egypt's automotive industry

Back in 1960, Egypt was the first Arab country to found a car production firm, El Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Company.

Even though the industry collapsed, it still shows the economic potential and ambition of Egypt to provide affordable cars. 

2. Beirut in the 1940s

Lebanon 1940s
Source: Pinterest

When it came to Beirut back in the ol' days, we remember the many titles it held, like "the Paris of the Middle East" and "Switzerland of the East."

This picture goes back as far as the 1940s, showing a very vibrant and clean Beirut. 

3. Women participating in the Egyptian army

In 1956, Egyptian women volunteered in the national resistance ahead of a joint Israeli-British-French attack known as the Suez Crisis

Unfortunately, women in modern Egypt are not allowed to participate in the military unless it is an administrative role.

4. City of Damascus

Vintage Damascus
Source: Alam Nouh

Before Syria became the site of one of the worst wars during the past 10 years, this was Damascus in 1960.

Most recognizable photographs of the present country portray bombed-out structures, stacks of debris, and wounded citizens. 

5. Egyptian beaches

In 1964, public beaches in Egypt were always crowded. People enjoyed the freedom of wearing a bikini, speedo, or whatever they felt like wearing. 

Today’s public beaches in Egypt don’t offer the same level of liberty, to say the least.

6. Syria 1943

Syria 1943
Source: Pinterest

From spotless streets and a tramway to a pile of rubble and destruction. 

Heartbreaking. 

7. Palestinian trains to Lebanon

Vintage train ticket
Source: Pinterest

The year is 1932, Israel doesn’t exist, and crossing the borders between Palestine and Lebanon for a weekend getaway is possible. 

Oh, how we wish it was still possible.

8. Egypt teaching other countries how to respect women

Shadya Kamal, vintage photograph, magazine, newspaper headline, feminism, actress, singer.
Source: Tahrirnews

In 1961, Egyptian singer and actress Shadia visited Tokyo for the first time. She was quoted saying the Japanese culture “does not respect women”. 

It’s funny how times change. 

Egypt has been recently named as the “worst Arab state for women”.

9. Palestine 1946

Palestine, 1946, vintage photograph, Haifa, al nakba, black and white
Source: Pinterest

Back when Palestinians were allowed to enjoy their identity without being exploited out of their land and discriminated against, the city of Haifa was prospering.

10. Iraq 1932

Before several gruesome wars erupted in Iraq, it was a quickly modernizing nation and was a founding member of the League of Nations - which ultimately became the United Nations