Opened in 1873, it is the first and the oldest observatory[clarification needed] of the Middle East in modern times.

The Lee Observatory opened in 1873, with Doctor Cornelius Van Dyck as its pioneer.

The observatory was named in reference to Henry Lee, a wealthy British merchant from Manchester, who had made a significant donation to help finance its construction.

The observatory had twin roles of sky gazing and serving as a meteorological station for the middle east.

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