The country of Lebanon has experienced more than a dozen devastating wars in its centuries-old history. That is why the once prosperous state is now called long-suffering. But, despite all the disasters, the country of Lebanon was able to preserve its unique nature with its valleys and mountains, cedar groves and beaches, as well as historical and architectural monuments that attract tourists from all over the world.
Geography
The country of Lebanon, information about which will be useful for tourists planning to spend their holidays on its territory, is located on the east coast of the warm Mediterranean Sea. The total area of this small state is 10,452 sq. km.
What countries does Lebanon border on? In the north and east, it has common borders with Syria, and in the south - with Israel. The western regions of Lebanon are washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
The territory of Lebanon is conditionally divided into four sharply different physical and geographical regions. These include the coastal plainand the mountain range that has the same name with the country, the Bekaa Valley, as well as the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. The highest point of this Middle Eastern country is located at the top of the Kurnes al-Sauda ridge. This mountain rises 3083 meters above ground level.
Among the many rivers in Lebanon, there is the longest. It's called Litani. This 140 km long river flows through the central and southern regions of the country. Such large rivers as El-Hasbani and Orontes originate from the territory of Lebanon. In addition to this country, they carry their waters through Israel and Syria.
Origin of the name
According to some historians, the word "Lebanon" comes from the ancient Persian "aivan". Translated, it means “vaulted hall” or “columned terrace.”
There is another version, according to which the capital of Lebanon received its name from the ancient Jews. It is in their language that one should look for the roots of the naming of this Middle Eastern country. Translated from it, the word "Lebanon" means "white mountains".
Ancient history
The country of Lebanon was attractive to immigrants as early as the 10th century. BC e. And already after 7 millennia, the first city-states began to appear on its territory, most of the population of which were merchants and sailors.
The Phoenicians founded their settlements on the Mediterranean coast. There was no centralized control. That is why this people used the strength and political wisdom of the city-states to maintain dominance. The Phoenicians were skilled craftsmen and were the first to invent the alphabet. Thisthe people had their own reliable ships and navigational skills. Its merchants sailed to Spain, Egypt, northern Europe and to the coast of the entire African continent. Phoenician merchants sold glass and the famous purple fabrics. But the cedar forest that grew on the mountain slopes of Lebanon was still in special demand among buyers. Wonderful ships were built from the thousand-year-old trunks of this mighty tree. The main centers of Lebanon at that time were cities such as Sidon, Tire, Byblos and Beryth (present-day Beirut).
The Phoenician trade monopoly was destroyed by the Assyrians in the 9th c. BC e. Further, the neo-Babylonians came to these lands, and then, in the 6th century. BC e., they were replaced by the Persians. In the 4th c. BC e. The country was conquered by Alexander the Great. After that, the Phoenician state finally fell into decline. In the 1st c. BC e. neighboring Egypt and Syria were conquered by Rome. Phoenicia also came under the rule of the invaders. The territories of this Mediterranean state became part of the Syrian province.
New era
Between 634 and 639 Arabs came to the Mediterranean lands. They conquered Syria, turning the coastal Phoenician city-states into small settlements. The Arabs actively settled the mountainous regions of the country, developing the valuable fertile lands located there.
In the 4th c. BC e. Lebanon became part of the Byzantine Empire. Christianity began to gain its positions on its territory. However, for a whole century, the Umayyads ruled Lebanon. They belonged to the first great Muslim dynasty and instilledpeople their religion. As a result, there were frequent clashes in the country between adherents of this faith and local Christians, as well as Jews. The Syrian Maronites were especially active, establishing their settlements near Mount Lebanon.
In 750, the Abbasids began to rule the Middle Eastern state. This empire, one of the provinces of which was Lebanon, lasted until the 11th century. Further, power was seized by the Fatimid dynasty, who were forced to give it to the warlike crusaders. After them, the Ayyubid Muslims invaded the territory of Syria, Egypt, Yemen and Western Arabia. But without having time to create their own empire, they were overthrown by the Mamelukes - their slave soldiers. These conquerors have ruled Lebanon since the 13th century.
Three centuries later, the Mamluks lost their positions under pressure from the emirs of Tanukhid, the tribal leaders of Lebanon. Part of the country in the 16th century. was captured by the Ottoman Sultan Selim, who was soon replaced by a more talented politician Fakhreddin. This sultan managed to unite the whole region, which is currently the country called Lebanon.
History of the modern state
At the beginning of the 19th c. The country was divided by the Ottomans into two administrative regions: Maronite and Druz. Quarrels often broke out between the regions, which were openly encouraged by the Ottoman Empire. As a result, the disagreements ended in a war, in which not only the Maronites and Druze took part, but also the feudal leaders and peasants who supported them. Even European politicians had to intervene in the resulting conflict. Under their pressure, the Ottomans are forcedwere to unite Lebanon, destroy the feudal system and appoint a Christian governor. This political system lasted until the First World War, during which the country was conquered by the Turkish militarists. After peace was established, this Middle Eastern state was ruled by France.
What's next for Lebanon? The history of the country changed dramatically after World War II. The state gained independence and became the largest trading center. This is the time when Lebanon is called the country that was the cultural, historical and financial center of the Arab world, as well as Middle Eastern Switzerland or Eastern Paris. However, in 1975 the state faced a new test. During this period, Lebanon was gripped by an economic crisis. In addition, the Muslim coalition and right-wing Christians unleashed a civil war that lasted almost two decades.
Lebanon is what country today? Currently, the state is on the path of reviving its economy. The tourism business is actively developing on its territory, which, like many decades ago, brings the main income to the country's budget. All this became possible due to the fact that the people of Lebanon managed to preserve the rich history of their region, which everyone can see in mountain caves and ancient Roman buildings, medieval castles and mosques. Today, cities are growing in this Middle Eastern country, modern hotels are appearing, and ski resorts such as Mzaar, Faraya and Lakluk are being organized in the highlands.
Climate
Lebanon is a country where the Mediterranean subtropics zone is located. This area is characterized by hot summers and slushy dank winters. In July, the average temperature is +28 degrees, and in January - +13 °C. Frosts occur only in some mountainous areas.
Most of the precipitation falls on the western territory of Lebanon. The tops of the highest mountains are covered with snow throughout the year.
Those who dream of a sightseeing or pilgrimage trip to this country are best suited for the period from April to May or from October to November. These are the months when the weather is especially comfortable for a person.
Lovers of ski holidays prefer to visit Lebanon from November to April. For those for whom a beach holiday is a priority, it is recommended to buy tours to the Mediterranean coast from April to November. Be that as it may, visiting Lebanon in the summer can enjoy swimming in the sea, and then, after spending only an hour on the road, you can get to a snow-covered ski resort.
Nature
Lebanon is often called the real pearl of the Mediterranean. What country is this in terms of the world of flora and fauna located on its territory? It is worth saying that the nature of Lebanon is surprisingly picturesque. The country in the direction from north to south is crossed by two mountain ranges. One of them runs parallel to the coastal plain, which is surrounded by the greenery of banana plantations and orange groves. This is Mount Lebanon. Those of its slopes that face the sea are covered with forests of oak, Syrian maple, laurel and wild olive trees. In higher regions, near the peaks, growsjuniper, there are also small groves of Lebanese cedar (its silhouette can be seen on the national flag of the country).
The second mountain range - Anti-Lebanon - rises in the eastern part of the country along the borders with Syria. Here you can find karst caves, decorated with "crystal" streaks of stalagmites and stalactites. Rivers, used as rafting trails, rapidly carry their waters from mountain peaks.
Between two Lebanese ranges lies the Bekaa Valley. The southern part of its territory is the real granary of the country and has been constantly cultivated by man for many centuries.
Capital
The largest city in Lebanon is Beirut. This is not only a famous seaport, but also the capital of the country. Currently, Beirut is the most important financial and banking center of the entire Middle East region. In addition, a large number of international organizations are located here.
The capital of Lebanon was first mentioned in the 15th century. BC e. called Barut. For a long time the city could not compete with Sidon and Tyre. Its heyday came with the arrival of the Romans, who made Beirut the center of Syria and the entire Mediterranean coast.
In 635, the city was captured by the Arabs, including it in the Arab Caliphate. From 1516 to 1918, the Turks owned Beirut, who imposed their customs on the local population. Further, it was the center of the state, mandated by France. And only since 1941, the capital of the country, Lebanon, has become the main city of an independent republic.
Beirut was severely damaged inthe period of the civil war in 1975, but by the end of the 20th century. the time has come for its rebirth. Today it is the cultural, intellectual and commercial center of the entire Eastern Mediterranean. The city has a well-developed medium and small business, industrial production of food, leather and textile industries. In addition, Beirut is an exporter of fruit, olive oil and silk.
There is an international airport not far from the Lebanese capital. It connects the country with all the continents of our planet.
Population
Modern Lebanon is an Arab country. 95% of the total population, and it is about 4 million, are Arabs. The remaining 5% of the population of Lebanon is represented by Kurds, Greeks, Armenians, Turks, etc. It is interesting that today the oil-rich country has been able to raise its economy to such a level that there are no homeless and beggars among its inhabitants.
Lebanon is a Muslim country. After all, almost 60% of the total population adheres to this faith here. Christians make up 39%. The remaining percentage of the population professes other religions.
Christians seek to leave this Middle Eastern state. They travel around the world, making their choice between Latin America, Israel, European countries, the USA. Lebanon previously could not ensure their security in connection with the attacks of Palestinian terrorists. Now Christians are on the path of emigration because of the paramilitary political party Hezbollah.
The official language of the country is Arabic. However, many Lebanese people are fluent in French and English.
Attractions
Lebanon is a real historical museum of the Middle East. On the territory of this small state there are many cultural and natural attractions. Among them:
- the oldest city on our planet - Byblos;
- temple complex built during the Roman Empire, located in Baalbek;
- remains of the once powerful cities of the Phoenician state (Tyre, Sidon and Trablos);
- preserved from the Omayyad era, the fortress city of Anjar (58 km from Beirut);
- Beiteddin palace ensemble;
- Saint Giles is a medieval fortress located in the city of Tripoli.
A large number of interesting historical sites can be seen in every city in the Republic of Lebanon. So, in the capital it is the National Museum, in Sidon - the Sea Castle and the Soap Museum. An interesting place for an excursion will be the Cedar Reserve, located at an altitude of 2 thousand meters. Here you can find trees that are up to 2000 years old.
Among the interesting sights of Lebanon there are also:
- Church of John the Baptist, located in the central part of the city of Byblos;
- Mosque of Omar, one of the oldest buildings in Beirut;
- Sursok Museum, named after the scientist who founded it;
- Museum of Cilicia, which is an island of Armenian culture;
- Jeita caves, surprising with their natural beauty (located near Beirut in the valley of the river Nahr Al-Kalb).
Communication
GSM-900 cellular communication is widespread in Beirut. Local SIM cards receive incoming calls for free. The cost of outgoing calls is within seven cents per minute. There is also roaming in Lebanon with leading Russian mobile network operators. The cost of one minute of conversation with our country costs about two dollars.
Calls abroad are also made from hotels, from fixed phones and street pay phones. There are two types of calling cards offered in Lebanon. Some of them (Telecard) are used only when using city pay phones. The second (Kalam) are suitable for connection from any telephone set.
In order to call a country in the Middle East, you need to know the country code of Lebanon. It is needed to access the international line.
The country code for Lebanon is 961. It must be dialed both when calling from a mobile phone and when connecting from a landline.
Country specifics
Lebanon is home to friendly and kind-hearted people who, as a rule, adhere to European norms of behavior. However, it is worth remembering that this eastern country has a number of features. For example, if a Lebanese offers you coffee, then you should not refuse. Your unwillingness will be taken as the highest sign of disrespect.
Also, do not talk to the locals about relations between ethnic groups or discuss political matters. You can't take pictures of Lebanese people without asking their permission.
Specialrules exist when visiting mosques. You need to enter them in closed clothes. In addition, women need to tie a headscarf on their heads. Women of the beautiful half of humanity should not walk the streets in very short skirts and overly open blouses.
