LEBANON
THE RIGHTEOUS FLOURISH LIKE A PALM TREE,
HE SHALL GROW LIKE A CEDAR IN LEBANON
HE SHALL GROW LIKE A CEDAR IN LEBANON
The Bible PSALM 92:12
LEBANON the biblical land of the "Song of Songs"
is one of
the smallest and most fascinating countries in the world.
Into its small area is packed a wealth of natural beauty and enormous
human, historical and archaeological interest.
Measuring only 130 miles in length and 46 miles in width , it is
situated along the east coast of the Mediterranean between Syria and
Israel. Its tiny dotted coastline is dotted with the ancient ports of
Tyre, Sidon, Byblos, Tripoli and Beirut the capital.
One third of the total land mass is made up of mountains, which
ascend suddenly in places to a height of 8000 feet and are divided from north to south by the lush Bekaa Valley. On th steep mountain slopes, terraced villages perch precariously amid countless mountain springs and waterfalls.
The sheer sudden height of the mountains becomes obvious when you realise that it is possible, at certain time of the year, (such as
February) to swim in the warm Mediterranean waters at the foot of the
mountains and one hour later, after motoring to the top, ski down the
snowy slopes.
The Lebanese landscape varies from barren, rocky terrain to fertile valleys and plains. Much of the countryside is covered in cypress, willow, poplar, oak and pine trees, and cedar trees even in some places the remains of famous cedar forests are still evident. There are many olive groves and banana plantations, citrus fruits, apricots, peaches, figs and pomegranates.
From December through to the northern spring, wildflowers of every colour begin to bloom. Among these are narcissus, iris, crocus, anemone, hibiscus, tulips and cyclamen. In the mountains flowers seem to grow everywhere, even in the stone walls of ancient ruins.
This picturesque country has been called the "Land of the Poets".
For thousands of years it has inspired men to sing its praises, among them the great Lebanese poet and philosopher, Gibran Khalil Gibran.
LEBANON is a country of contrasts and diversities.
BEIRUT, the capital, is a sophisticated city bursting with luxury products, first class hotels, elegant women and fast cars. It has also regrettably, been the scene of complex political conflicts.
These trapings of the modern world stand alongside old souks (market places) and ancient ruins. Every where you go, you come in contact with the past.
Ancient ruins blending into the landscape form a typical characteristic of the country. Archaeological discoveries include Babylonians, Egyptian, Roman, Greek, Byzantine and Arab constructions. Many Roman temples have been transformed into mosques or Byzantine churches and numerous village houses have been built with the debris of ancient monuments.
In the vast complex of the Roman ruins at Baalbeck are the temple of Bachus built around 150 AD and much larger than the Parthenon in Greece, and the temple of Heliopolitan Jupiter, the largest and most sumptuous in Roman antiquity. In ancient times this area was called the "granary of the Roman Empire".
The county is also dotted with churches, mosques, convents and monastries. In the Christian sections, statues to the Virgin and lamp-lit altars are seen along the roadside.
The Lebanese are basically very religious, either Christian, Moslem or
Druze. Even those who profess atheism adhere to religious customs.
The Lebanese are also highly educated. As well as many religious
schools there are over 1000 state schools and more than four universities.
Their heritage is one of academic, trade and cultural achievement.
Commencing 3000 years ago with the Phoenicians, the Lebanese were
the merchant traders of the ancient world.
The phonetic alphabet was developed here, and Phoenician travellers were the first to use the Polar Star for navigation.
An interesting note is the flourishing trade they setup in a rare purple dye extracted from shellfish, which became known as Tyrian Purple. Only wealthy and famous people were permitted to wear this colour, so it became the status symbol of the day. Even now we hear the cliche "born to the purple".
The arabs left the deepest mark on Lebanese culture and from them the
Lebanese took their language. Other early influences came from the
Crusaders and the Turks. Modern Western influence arrived when Lebanon became a French Protectorate early in the twentieth century. French and American schools and universities were subsequently established, and today both French and English are spoken widely throughout the country.
The average Lebanese is extremely individualistic. He is always willing to be of assistance and is extremely hospitable.
From his Phoenician ancestors he has inherited an aptitude for business dealings and a fondness for travel. These two characterictics could help to account for the fact that the Lebanese are migratory people.
It is extimated that there are as many Lebanese settlers abroad as
those living in Lebanon. Areas of emigration include the United States, Canada, South America and Australia.
But whether at home or abroad, the Lebanese remain intensely proud of
their culture and heritage.
the smallest and most fascinating countries in the world.
Into its small area is packed a wealth of natural beauty and enormous
human, historical and archaeological interest.
Measuring only 130 miles in length and 46 miles in width , it is
situated along the east coast of the Mediterranean between Syria and
Israel. Its tiny dotted coastline is dotted with the ancient ports of
Tyre, Sidon, Byblos, Tripoli and Beirut the capital.
One third of the total land mass is made up of mountains, which
ascend suddenly in places to a height of 8000 feet and are divided from north to south by the lush Bekaa Valley. On th steep mountain slopes, terraced villages perch precariously amid countless mountain springs and waterfalls.
The sheer sudden height of the mountains becomes obvious when you realise that it is possible, at certain time of the year, (such as
February) to swim in the warm Mediterranean waters at the foot of the
mountains and one hour later, after motoring to the top, ski down the
snowy slopes.
The Lebanese landscape varies from barren, rocky terrain to fertile valleys and plains. Much of the countryside is covered in cypress, willow, poplar, oak and pine trees, and cedar trees even in some places the remains of famous cedar forests are still evident. There are many olive groves and banana plantations, citrus fruits, apricots, peaches, figs and pomegranates.
From December through to the northern spring, wildflowers of every colour begin to bloom. Among these are narcissus, iris, crocus, anemone, hibiscus, tulips and cyclamen. In the mountains flowers seem to grow everywhere, even in the stone walls of ancient ruins.
This picturesque country has been called the "Land of the Poets".
For thousands of years it has inspired men to sing its praises, among them the great Lebanese poet and philosopher, Gibran Khalil Gibran.
LEBANON is a country of contrasts and diversities.
BEIRUT, the capital, is a sophisticated city bursting with luxury products, first class hotels, elegant women and fast cars. It has also regrettably, been the scene of complex political conflicts.
These trapings of the modern world stand alongside old souks (market places) and ancient ruins. Every where you go, you come in contact with the past.
Ancient ruins blending into the landscape form a typical characteristic of the country. Archaeological discoveries include Babylonians, Egyptian, Roman, Greek, Byzantine and Arab constructions. Many Roman temples have been transformed into mosques or Byzantine churches and numerous village houses have been built with the debris of ancient monuments.
In the vast complex of the Roman ruins at Baalbeck are the temple of Bachus built around 150 AD and much larger than the Parthenon in Greece, and the temple of Heliopolitan Jupiter, the largest and most sumptuous in Roman antiquity. In ancient times this area was called the "granary of the Roman Empire".
The county is also dotted with churches, mosques, convents and monastries. In the Christian sections, statues to the Virgin and lamp-lit altars are seen along the roadside.
The Lebanese are basically very religious, either Christian, Moslem or Druze. Even those who profess atheism adhere to religious customs.
The Lebanese are also highly educated. As well as many religious schools there are over 1000 state schools and more than four universities.
Their heritage is one of academic, trade and cultural achievement. Commencing 3000 years ago with the Phoenicians, the Lebanese were the merchant traders of the ancient world.
The phonetic alphabet was developed here, and Phoenician travellers were the first to use the Polar Star for navigation.
An interesting note is the flourishing trade they setup in a rare purple dye extracted from shellfish, which became known as Tyrian Purple. Only wealthy and famous people were permitted to wear this colour, so it became the status symbol of the day. Even now we hear the cliche "born to the purple".
The arabs left the deepest mark on Lebanese culture and from them the Lebanese took their language. Other early influences came from the Crusaders and the Turks. Modern Western influence arrived when Lebanon became a French Protectorate early in the twentieth century. French and American schools and universities were subsequently established, and today both French and English are spoken widely throughout the country.
The average Lebanese is extremely individualistic. He is always willing to be of assistance and is extremely hospitable. From his Phoenician ancestors he has inherited an aptitude for business dealings and a fondness for travel. These two characterictics could help to account for the fact that the Lebanese are migratory people.
It is extimated that there are as many Lebanese settlers abroad as those living in Lebanon. Areas of emigration include the United States, Canada, South America and Australia.
But whether at home or abroad, the Lebanese remain intensely proud of their culture and heritage.
