Why is San Francisco called Baghdad By The Bay?

Question

I know it came from Herb Caen but don't know why he called it that.

Answer 1

Despite the current war mongering and bad press, there was a time when Baghdad was considered a cosmopolitan cultural center of the Middle East. It was spoken of in the same breath as Paris and other great cities of the world.

Although it may have been coined earlier, Herb Caen picked up the phrase "Baghdad By the Bay' in the '50s and used it in the title of two books about San Francisco at that time.

Baghdad by the Bay was a compliment of very high order, implying that San Francisco possessed a civic minded citizens whose world view was enlightened and egalitarian.

Baghdad has fallen into a dark period in the intervening decades, but as a San Francisco resident I think the spirit that Herb Caen wrote about so passionately still flourishes.

Answer 2

It is not currently referenced as "Baghdad by the Bay," due to the negative connotation of today's Baghdad. MattCan got the basic jist of the reasoning behind why San Francisco in the 30's and 40's was called by that moniker. Baghdad was a busy bustling and modern metropolitan that can be mentioned in the same breathe as Paris, London, and New York. And, it was Herb Cain who gave San Francisco this name.

One of the earlier references by Herb Cain to this name was in October of 1940, where Herb Caen said "This is Baghdad-by-the-Bay!"

Answer 3

With all bullets that fly around here I think Stockton should be the New Baghdad By The Bay, based on Baghdad's recent history.

Answer 4

Bagdad By The Bay

Answer 5

Because they are supporters of the terrorist regimes, protesting our government, laws and way of life. California wasn't attacked because their allies are in San Francisco.

Answer 6

See above
Mattcan has said it best

Answer 7

Never heard that

Answer 8

Dang I thought it was "F-A-G for a D-A-D" by the bay.