LEBANON

Lebanon has always been a special country, Despite the recent years of war.

Lebanon's long history, natural beauty and the spirit of its people give it a place in the hearts of all who have been there-whether in the halcyon years, or during periods of crisis .

An independent republic since 1943, it is a compact country of 10,452

Square kilometers with a population 4 million

Located at the meeting point of three continents, over the centuries Lebanon has been the crossroads of many civilizations whose traces may still be seen today. Its countryside is a place of rocks, cedar trees and magnificent ruins that look down from the mountains to the sea.

"Lubnan" its Arabic name, means "white" the color of the mountains.

In winter the high peaks are covered with snow and in summer their limestone slopes glimmer white in the distance.

Two rocky ranges traverse Lebanon parallel the sea coast, separated by the high plateau of the Beqaa valley.

On the coast are five famous towns known to every archeologist and schoolchild - Berytus (Beirut), Byblos, Sidon, Tripoli and Tyre - the names of ancient Phoenicia.
 

The Lebanese People at Home and Abroad

Lebanon was given freedom in 1918 by the victory of the Allies and achieved full independence in 1943. Always a nation of travelers and traders, by the early 1970's there were some 2 million Lebanese living in their homeland while an almost equal number had settled in every continent of the world. After 1975 the war encouraged even larger numbers to immigrate to western and Arab countries where they have contributed their skills, notably in the fields of science, medicine and commerce. At home or abroad the Lebanese are known for their kindness and hospitality. These qualities, combined with the country's relaxed and family-oriented way of life, make visitors feel both welcome and at ease.

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A Country for All Seasons

Lebanon is one of the few winter sports centers in the Middle East certainly the most extensive. The season begins in December and continues until April in a winter landscape unique in the world.

The larger resorts have hotels, chalets and other facilities, including good ski lifts. There are six winter resorts: The Cedars (2,300 meters), Faraya / Ouyoun es-Siman (1,890 meters), Laqlouq (1,740 meters), Faqra (1,750 meters), Qanat Bakiche (1,990 meters) and Zaarour (1,990 meters).

In Lebanon you can swim in the sea in winter as well as spring and an hour later ski at 1,900 meters. It almost never rains between June and October so in summer and autumn it is easy to go from sea to mountain, where another world awaits.

Lebanon's mountain villages and towns are worth a visit any time of year. While some were damaged by war most are thriving towns that offer not only entertainment but a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle not often seen in larger cities. In the Shouf Mountains there is Deir El-QAMAR with its white houses and red tile roofs built on steep slopes. This was the residence of the governors of Lebanon in the 16th-18th centuries. Many historic buildings here have been restored, such as the Fakhreddin Mosque and the Baz and Al-Kharge palaces. Most recently the central square of this historic town was cleaned and restored. Besharre in the north, the picturesque gateway to the Cedars of Lebanon, is the birthplace of the famous Lebanese poet Gibran Khalil Gibran. Here one may visit the Gibran Museum and the many ancient churches and monasteries in the vicinity. ZAHLE. the main city of the Beqaa, is popular for its arak, wine and delicious food. It's not surprising then that one of the main attractions here is the oasis of vine covered restaurants situated beside the cool Bardouni River.

A picturesque town known for its comfortable climate, Zahle is often referred to as the" Bride of the Beqaa." The coastline between Tripoli and Sidon is punctuated by all kinds of leisure facilities from well-equipped swim resorts and family-run fish restaurants to luxurious condominiums. Between Beirut and Byblos is the town of Jounieh which has a lovely bay with craggy mountains rising just behind it. Jounieh enjoys one of the most beautiful natural settings on the coast, although since 1975 high rise buildings and resort complexes have somewhat dwarfed the old town. Jounieh has long been known for the landmark statue of the Virgin of Harissa high above the bay, reached by road or by a spectacular, near-vertical cable car ride.

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The Arab cultural renaissance flowered in Lebanon at the beginning of the 19^th century. Professors, poets, journalists, writers and historians grouped together in Lebanese or Western cultural institutions of the capital to revive ancient Arab culture and reveal to their compatriots the value of modern culture. Their activities accelerated the liberation of the Arab World, and raised its cultural level.

In Lebanon, teaching establishments multiplied founded either by Lebanese or by foreign missions. The St. Joseph University, founded and run by the Jesuit Fathers, has for over a century and a quarter, contributed to the Lebanese and Arab intelligentsia. The American University of Beirut, founded in 1866, provides a liberal education that has trained many of the world’s leaders, educators and scientists. The general educational spirit of Lebanon looks outwards, both to the east and to the west. Many Lebanese students pursue their higher education in European, American and Arab universities. Soon after independence, a Lebanese state university was founded, which comprises faculties of law, medicine, arts, and sciences, and a teachers’ training college. Later the Arab University, with faculties of arts, law, commerce and engineering was opened. The venerable Beirut University College has also been an important influence. In recent years, numerous new universities have sprung up throughout the country, notably Kaslik University and \Notre Dame University (Louwayze), both north of the Beirut and Balamand University south of Tripoli.

In Beirut, you can find excellent international cooking, but you will also be offered delicacies of the local cuisine. The national drink is arak, an anise flavored alcohol. However, the offer of arak is a courteous way of leading you to eat “Mezzes”, delectable hors d’oeuvres of infinite variety. Homos and Tabboule, both now widely enjoyed in Europe and the United States, are still at their best on Lebanese soil. For a main course you might be offered “Kebbe”, which is mutton carefully pounded and cooked with crushed wheat. “Chawarma” is lamb grilled on a vertical spit. Local wines, some of which rival those from Europe, go very well with these dishes. The sea also provides ingredients for savory Lebanese recipes and fruit is abundant, not only the kinds known in the west but those which only ripen under an oriental sun.

Lebanon has a good hotel capacity including a number of outstanding luxury establishments. In Beirut, there are also many small, well-run hostelries. Several of the old large hotels have refurbished their premises; once again offer an elegant and convenient place to stay. Hotel space in the mountains is abundant, the majority in the second and third class category. Generally open in the summer season, these are clean but basic establishments perfectly adequate for short stays. There are some grand hotels in the mountains as well, open year-round. Furnished apartments, which offer self-service facilities, are found throughout Greater Beirut and in other population centers.

There is always something entertaining to do in Lebanon. Traditional dances such as the dabbke and sword dances are immensely popular and they perpetuate costumes of the distant past. Both in nightclubs and in private parties and celebrations, oriental or “belly dancing” is always a great attraction. Known for its nightlife before the war, the Lebanese capital is still the place to go for excellent nightclubs, discotheques and cabarets. About 24 km north of Beirut, the Casino du Liban at Maameltein, once famous for its top international shows and luxurious gaming facilities, is due to reopen in 1994. With the Lido de Paris in charge of entertainment, excellent shows can be expected every evening. Every sport can be enjoyed in Lebanon including water skiing, snow skiing, yachting and tennis. Clubs are open to tourists for golf, tennis, karate and riding. The Beirut racecourse, set in its pinewoods, is a favorite with race goers.