Lebanon may be better known than many realize. This country is located in the heart of one of the most tense regions in the world.
The population of Lebanon is only about 5.5 million. It is a country with a rich historical and artistic heritage and Phoenician legacy. In a land where also Arabic as well French, English, and other languages thrive.
Also, Lebanon is at the heart of the Middle Eastern conflict concerning Israel, Palestine, and Syria. Some may know Hezbollah, a militia in Lebanon, but the historical legacy of this country is deep and goes beyond Greece to the Phoenicians.
Learn more about Lebanon with these facts below!
1. Lebanon has been a historical place for commerce and trade since the Bronze Age
Many may think of other bigger countries in the Middle East like Egypt, but Lebanon’s history is vital in different ways. For example, Lebanon has been a vital commercial hub and area for the Middle East
Urban settlements and trade centers in Lebanon can be dated to the early period of the Bronze Age. One of the first settlements in what is Lebanon is Byblos, which dates to about 3050–2850 BC. Lebanon may have not been a state until much later but it has a lot of history that pairs up with bigger states like Greece or Egypt.
For example, Lebanese commercial and religious links with Egypt are strong. The people who are in Lebanon today are comparable to the indigenous people of the land called Phoenicians. Moreover, Lebanon is in the eye of everything including Middle Eastern conflicts.
In summary, the presence of trading in the Mediterranean and Phoenician colonization meant that Lebanon was a place of a lot of commercial activity and production.
2. DIversity is a strong feature for Lebanon
In Lebanon, you have many groups of people and even types of religions and sects. For example, you have Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims, Christians and Druze all living side by side in this relatively small country.
All in all, around 95% of the population of Lebanon is either Muslim or Christian. As well, Lebanon has a variety and multitude of ethnic minorities. For example, some of the bigger prominent ethnic minorities feature Armenians, the Kurds of parts of the world like Iraq, as well the Turkish. Moreover, you will also see Assyrians, Iranians and even some European ethnicities including Germans, Greeks, Italians, French.
The modern Lebanese state has absorbed a lot overall. The founding of the modern Lebanese state has always had to deal with refugee situations.
In Lebanon, the main population groups have moved due to being put into being refugees for the region's minorities. Moreover, there has been a big shift in various land moves due to outside conquering from most recently the Ottomans and even French at some point.
3. In Lebanon, you can have land with two owners unlike most place anywhere
In Lebanon, there is a unique piece of real estate and how they view ownership. For example, a parcel of land can possibly have two legal owners. This is a true template for sharing and taking care of land in Lebanon.
Moreover, the piece of land you would have in Lebanon would be owned by one side and then another. For example, with the land you would have in Lebanon, you may have crops growing on one side of the and then the adjacent land may be owned by another. So if you were to buy the piece of land in Lebanon. What would happen? Any Lebanese owner would be required to pay both parties before you would become the sole owner of any land in Lebanon.
In conclusion, with Lebanon, you would have for example a multi-floor floor building. With the building in question or land, it may be that a fourth of the share of ownership in this building may be to someone else. Moreover, another part owner about a fourth or so may use some or more of the floors. So, in the end, two or even more may own the whole building.
4. Lebanon is the first Arab country to allow private radio and TV
Lebanon’s history with TV, media and more is not what many realize. It has been ahead of the wave for media and as well TV and an innovator. Lebanon is a regional center of media production and at one time the most liberal and free in the Middle East outside of Israel.
It is world record breaking with Lebanon having printing capacity for press by 1610. In Lebanon, this had happened with the first printing press. Moreover, there was an established method already developed in the Kadisha Valley of Lebanon.
All in all, it can be seen that Lebanon had made its first publication. This first seminal publication was called, Qozhaya Psalter. It was the Bible's book of psalms overall. Also, it had been both Syriac and Arabic. Historically, it is seen as the first publication in the Middle East.
Moreover, one of the initial Arabic printing presses in the Middle East was founded and established in 1734 at The Convent of St. John in Lebanon. This press and printer in Khinshara remained in operation until 1899.
Even with a small population, Lebanon has had a big and influential vision and part in the media in the Middle East. Overall, for the Middle East, Lebanon is “at the heart of a regional media network with global networks and more.
5. Lebanon has a very world renowned and diverse cuisine
Lebanon has a cuisine all its own that draws a lot of course from the Middle East region. Overall, many may not realize, but the Lebanese cuisine is renowned worldwide and regarded as one of the best types for Arabic food.
In general, Lebanese food can be described as a great and interesting combination of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Arabic flavors and seasonings. From the iconic and brand signature dish, hummus and falafel, to delicious kebabs and tabbouleh. Overall, Lebanese dishes have become more popular and gathered international acclaim.
The thing about Lebanese food is that It includes a plethora of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. As well, expect fresh fish and seafood in this Middle Eastern cuisine. For example, poultry is part of the daily diet more so than just the usual red meat more often consumed in western countries.
Lebanese usually eat lamb and goat meat. But, the spice and seasonings for the Lebanese include dishes with more distinct and flavorful Middle Eastern food. Lebanese food features
Lots of garlic and olive oil. Moreover, dishes are often seasoned with lemon juice to give Lebanese food an extra edge.
6. Lebanon has a rich artistic history and high literacy
Lebanon is a country of culture in the Middle East. High literacy is the norm in Lebanon. For example, when you go from the poetry of Khalil Gibran, who is Lebanese, to the prominent works of Amin Maalouf, there in Lebanon. Also, no country has a literacy rate as high as almost 95 to 97 percent.
Some of these artists and writers have been revolutionaries in the Middle East like Khalil Gibran. For instance, Gibranwas a Lebanese and American writer, poet and even visual artist who wrote The Prophet. This book is one of the best-selling books of all time, and has been translated into more than 100 languages.
All in all, Lebanese literature and writing has created a big impact on the global literary scene. In conjunction with the United States, there is an American University of Beirut, which was founded in 1866. Not one of the oldest in the world, which is located in Europe in Italy, but at least one of the region’s best educational institutions and learning centers. Lebanon is an area of intellect and great historical and artistic value.
7. The Lebanese diaspora or immigrants are spread across the globe
There are many high profile Lebanese people and immigrants around the world. Why? Unfortunately, due to war and instability and historical reasons as well economic factors, there is a large Lebanese diaspora worldwide.
Lebanese immigrants have made significant and popular contributions in many countries, excelling in various fields such as business, arts, and academia. In the United States, there are some popular entertainers, which include Paul Anka. Anka was a singer-songwriter from the 1960s, who became very popular.
Many initially left in the 1870s. Overall, around 330,000 migrants left what is called “Greater Syria.” This is what comprises the lands today that include Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel. Many went to the United States for better opportunities.
The diaspora is so big that there are more people of Lebanese origin living outside Lebanon than in Lebanon now. Most Lebanese are in the Americas, especially many being in Brazil, with between 5 and 7 million. From there, there are many Lebanese in Colombia and Argentina, each represented with about 1 to 3 million each. The Lebanese diaspora and group is made up of Christians, Muslims, Druze, and Jews
8. Lebanon shares a Philosophical history and link with Greece
The link between Lebanon and nearby countries like of course Syria and even Turkey and as well Greece are strong. For example, in Lebanon, philosophy achieved a lot of support and notoriety under the influence of the Greeks.
There is a Diodoros of Tyre, a member of the Peripatetic school, and he has a special place in Lebanese history. Why? He is a well-known philosopher.
Historically, Alexander the Great had conquered and controlled a lot of land. From there, Alexander the Great stopped along the way in Tyre, Lebanon. It was during this time that it was Greek dominion. In Lebanese history, this Hellenistic period of time brought philosophers from Saida and Tyre. The Lebanese had helped flourish and play an integral role in the intellectual and philosophies of the time between Greece and the Middle East.
Lastly, words like Baal shared a meaning for the word ‘Lord’ in the Aramaic-Syriac language. This language was spoken in present day Lebanon. The link with Greece was with the Greek god Zeus and the Roman god Jupiter. Lastly, Melkart, the Baal is linked with Tyre, who Greeks viewed as a symbol for Heracles.
9. Lebanon is known as the land of Cedar Trees
Lebanon is the land of the cedars. You can imagine the beauty in this part of the world because of this magical tree. The emblematic cedar tree represents the enduring and big spirit of Lebanon. This tree exudes natural beauty, and is part of the national flag.
The ancient cedar trees, which are discussed in biblical texts, signifies strength. Lebanon's Identity is meant to show strength because the cedars of Lebanon, used to be dotted throughout the ancient world of ancient Lebanon.
The cedar tree has special meaning because cedars are durable and aromatic wood overall. Moreover, the cedar tree was used in making temples, ships, palaces, and many things from Egypt to Mesopotamia to of course ancient Lebanon. Therefore, the historical symbolism for the cedar tree is embedded into the cultural and spiritual realm and consciousness of Lebanon.
10. Lebanon is the land of languages with a Phoenician Legacy
Lebanese people speak a multitude of languages and are part of the Phoenician legacy. Their civilization dates from c. 4000 BCE. What does the Lebanese legacy and language map mean? In terms of linguistics, Lebanon’s languages are as diverse as its religious variety. Expect to hear the main language of Arabic along with French and English.
Phoenicia today would be in the area along the coast of the far eastern Mediterranean Sea. The area would include Syria, Lebanon and northern Israel. This allowed them to establish trade networks across the Mediterranean and beyond. There is a link with the Phoenician alphabet, which may have influenced the foundation of many modern alphabets, including Greek and even Latin.
The origin of the people of Lebanon from the coastal regions to modern-day Lebanon were shaped by the classic civilization of the Phoenicians. These great ancestors were a seafaring civilization who contributed a lot to humanity and the Middle East region of the world. Maritime technology and navigation was an area that the Phoenicians helped to develop.
The Lebanese languages variety even extends deeper from The Phoenicians’ legacy with Lebanese Aramaic. The incredible historical glassware, textiles, and purple dye made the area of today’s Lebanon an area of innovation and industry.
