Deir el Ahmar

Deir el Ahmar دير الأحمر
Deir el Ahmar Location in Lebanon
Coordinates: 34°08′N 36°08′E / 34.133°N 36.133°E / 34.133; 36.133
Country	Lebanon
Governorate	Beqaa Governorate
District	Baalbek District
Elevation	3,773 ft (1,150 m)
Time zone	EET (UTC+2)
- Summer (DST)	+3 (UTC)
Website	www.deirelahmar.com

Deir El Ahmar (Arabic: دير الأحمر‎) is a Lebanese town, located at 100 km from Beirut and 12 km northeast of Baalbeck in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon.

Demography and religion

The population of Deir el Ahmar is around 23,000 people. The people of Deir el Ahmar are Lebanese and followers of the Maronite church. With eight historical churches, including Saint Joseph Church which was completed on September 15, 1914, Our Lady of the Tower Church which was built the ruins of the temple of Jupiter, Saint Georges, Saint Nohra, Saint Michel (old + New), Saint Elie, Our Lady of Cultivation and two musk temple one of them for man and the other for ladies. The town serves as the center of the archbishopric of Baalbek–Deir El-Ahmar.^[1]

Geography

Deir el Ahmar's climate is mild during spring and autumn, dry and warm in summer, and cold during winter. With an altitude that ranges between 950 m and 1,150 m above sea level, the town receives heavy snow during the winter, and some roads leading to the town may be temporarily closed during this period. Deir el Ahmar area is about 42 hectar (42.000 000 m2)

History

Deir el Ahmar, like the rest of Lebanese land, was part of the Roman Empire, and during the third century A.D., the Roman emperor Caracalla built a temple for Jupiter in the vicinity of the village. The Temple of Jupiter would later become the center of the Jacobite Christians.

Roman period:
During the third century A.D., roman emperor Caracalla built the temple of Jupiter.

Byzantine period:

• Saydet el Borj (Our Lady of the Tower) church built on the ruins of the temple of Jupiter
• Qasr el Benet (The castle of the King's daughter) near Chlifa

7th-16th century:

• This is the Syriac, Jacobite and Arab period.
• Temple of Jupiter became the center of the Syriac-Jacobites Christians.
• Ruled by the Arabs.
• Earth quakes in 1158 and 1202.

16th-19th century period:

• Maronites shepherds from Becharreh and Aakoura established in the region Deir el Ahmar.

19th century period:

• Other maronites families from Becharreh, Aakoura, Byblos and Batroun established and formed the village of Deir el Ahmar.

Deir el Ahmar has eight historic churches. The courtyard of Our Lady of the Tower has Greek inscriptions on its stone walls. Ruins of a cellar that reportedly dates to the Roman era are nearby the church.^[1] Our Lady of the Tower Church (Saydet el Borj) was built on the ruins of the temple of Jupiter during the Byzantine era. The Castle of the King's Daughter (Qasr el Benet) near Chlifa was also built during this period. Maronite Catholic shepherds from, Niha [being the most], Bsharri and Aakoura moved and settled in the region of Deir el Ahmar where better grazing was available. In the 19th century, other Maronite families from Byblos and Batroun settled in the village of Deir el Ahmar.^[2]

Directions

Departing from the capital Beirut ,through Daher al Baidar main road to Zahleh and Baalbeck, the passenger, then heads North to Deir el Ahmar, crossing about 100 km.

Many roads lead from Lebanon's major coastal cities to Deir El Ahmar:

• Beirut, Baabda, Dahr el Baydar, Chtaura, Zahleh, Baalbeck, Deir el Ahmar (104 km)
• Beirut, Antelias, Bikfaya, Tarchich, Zahleh, Baalbeck, Deir el Ahmar
• Beirut, Zouk, Faraya, Ouyoun el Simane, Deir el Ahmar (101 km)
• Beirut, Nahr Ibrahim, Afqa, Hadath Baalbeck, Deir el Ahmar
• Beirut, Chekka, Amioun, Becharreh, Cedars, Deir el Ahmar (157 km)

Some of these roads are closed by snow a few months or weeks during winter (January, February, March). The road via Dahr el Baydar is the main one and the most accessible during the 4 seasons .

Origin of the name

Historians believe that the name of the village originated from the Aramaic, "Deir Ohmor’" which means "Monastery of the Brother." Since the word deir means monastery and the Arabic word for the color red is ahmar, some historians believe that the origin of Deir el Ahmar's name can be attributed to the large monastery in the area that was built with red stones, thus the name of the town can be literary translated to "Red Monastery.".^[1]

While the people who have lived in that period tell a different story which state that after the baptism of the pagan tribes living in the village the monks built a monastery on Jupiter's Temple(a present historical ruin in the village) which the pagans used for the workship of their gods, so villagers used to came every morning to the Mass before going to their work. The villagers got surprised one morning because they did not hear the Church bell toll and hurried to the monastery.They found the monks slaughtered like sheep, by the pagan tribes that fled away and came back to avenge their gods. The people were terrified to see blood all around the place ,so they run back shouting: "The monastery is red...." in Arabic: " Al Deir Ahmar " the "Al" was cancelled and the village as called "Deir El Ahmar".

Society & Traditions

The people of Deir el Ahmar are well known for their dynamism and for keeping the rural Lebanese traditions: Hospitality Traditional gastronomy: Mezzeh, Tabbouleh, Kebbeh, etc. Traditional wedding ceremonies: traditional songs, dances & poems (zaffeh), traditional religious ceremonies, etc. Traditional clothes for folkloric occasions: men wear traditional "sherwal", the "Ghombaz" and "tarboush" or "Kafiat and Ighal" on the head women wear "abbaya"

Ecotourism Visiting the region of Deir el Ahmar is an authentic rural tourism experience to discover: Many unknown historical sites A wild and unspoiled nature

Best periods to visit the region You can visit Deir el Ahmar almost anytime of the year. The region may be inaccessible a few days or weeks every year because of snow, usually during January and February The best periods are Spring and the beginning of summer, when the temperature is mild, the rivers are at their highest levels, the wild flowers are flourishing and the mountains are covered with snow Autumn, for the mild climate and to discover and participate in some farming activities

What to do?

Cultural tours

Hiking

Visit some organic farms and participate to some farming activities

Lunch in organic farms

Buy traditional products from the WADA center or the organic farms

The W.A.D.A. organization The Women's Association of Deir El Ahmar, WADA, is a Lebanese non-profit, Non-Governmental Organization established in 1994 The mission Promote women's role in rural development and welfare of society in the region around Deir el Ahmar (Bekaa, Lebanon). The team WADA was founded by active volunteer women from Deir el Ahmar, among them Mrs. Dunia Baroud El Khoury, Mrs. Yvonne El Khoury Lichaa, Mrs. René Chouah Mhanna, ...

Current President: Mrs Dunia Baroud El Khoury

Geographical focus WADA's geographical focus is a wide area of 157 km2, including 33 municipalities around Deir el Ahmar, Baalbeck and Hermel, in the north of the Bekaa valley in Lebanon. WADA have won many Awards, among them the Dubai International Award WADA's partners include major and prestigious local and international institutions: ministries, municipalities, NGOs, etc. These partners helped WADA achieve many projects To contact WADA,Programs Areas:

-Training sessions for rural women in handicrafts,natural Agrofood   Production    and Agriculture.
-Supporting Marketing and Promotion of the Products through fairs and    Exhibitions.
-Awareness Programs for Local Communities which seek to:
         Protect Environment
         Care for Human Health
         Support Education and Cultural Fields
         Promote Rural Eco-Tourism
-Executing a sustainable Development Project.
 The Rural Development Center - RDC -

Economy

Deir el Ahmar's location in the fertile Beqaa Valley makes agriculture its main economical activity. The town produces jam, jelly, marmalade, and dairy products as well as handcrafts, such as pottery, crochet, and lace.^[3]

Deir el Ahmar, like the rest of the Beqaa Valley, has good potential for tourism due to the mild climate, pristine nature, and the variety of historical and archeological sites. Ecotourism, especially natural excursions and hiking trips are becoming more popular in the region of Deir el Ahmar. Tourists also visit the local organic farms and participate in farming activities. However, the tourism sector remains mostly underdeveloped in Deir el Ahmar, To note that Hotels or Motels are abandoned because of the hospitability idea that say: visitors are well coming and they may choose any house to come in and stay .^[4] An economical and demographic study conducted in Deir el Ahmar by Dr Gaby Saliba in 2001 highlights the following problems:

High emigration of youth [62% of population] and still increasing mainly caused by the lack of high education institutions, and the nearest university is 40 minutes away Deficient role of the women in development High rates of Unemployment

Local Authorities

The municipality have an elected municipal council for 6 years. Its has administrative and financial independence but remains under the control and supervision of the central government.

Eparchy of Baalbek-Deir El-Ahmar (Maronite)

1671: Established as Diocese of Baalbek / Helipolitan(us) Maronitarum (Latin) 1977.08.04: Renamed as Diocese of Baalbek e Zahlé / Helipolitan(us) et Mariammen(sis) Maronitarum (Latin) 1990.06.09: Renamed as Diocese of Baalbek–Deir Al-Ahmar / Heliopolitan(us)–Rubrimonasterien(sis) Maronitarum (Latin) (lost territory to establish Diocese of Zahlé)

Bishop: SIMON ATTALLAH Latin Name: Helipolitanus Maronitarum Erected: 1671 Type of Jurisdiction: Eparchy Split: 9 June 1990 Rite: Maronite Country: Lebanon Mailing Address: Eveche Maronite, Deir El-Ahmar, Liban Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Bishop Simon Atallah, O.A.M. (73) (2005.12.28 – ...) Born: 1937.01.10 (Lebanon) Ordained Priest: 1963.12.08 Consecrated Bishop: 2006.02.11

Bishop Paul-Mounged El-Hachem (75) (later Archbishop) (1995.06.10 – 2005.08.27)

Bishop Philippe Boutros Chebaya (1990.06.09 – 1995.06.10)

Bishop Georges Scandar (83) (1977.11.12 – 1990.06.09) Bishop of Baalbek e Zahlé of the Maronites (Lebanon) (1977.11.12 – 1990.06.09)

Bishop Chucrallah Harb (87) (1967.03.15 – 1977.08.04) Bishop of Baalbek of the Maronites (Lebanon) (1967.03.15 – 1977.08.04

Bishop Abdallah Nujaim (1954.04.04 – 1966.11.12) Auxiliary Bishop of Baalbek of the Maronites (Lebanon) (1950.07.25 – 1954.04.04)

Bishop Abdallah Nujaim (Apostolic Administrator 1953–1954.04.04)

Bishop Elias Richa (1937.10.10 – 1953.08.24) Bishop of Baalbek of the Maronites (Lebanon) (1937.10.10 – 1953.08.24)

Bishop Giovanni Murad (1892.06.12 – 1937.05.01) Bishop of Baalbek of the Maronites (Lebanon) (1892.06.12 – 1937.05.01)

Bishop Jean Pierre Hadj [Al-Haj] (Jean [Yuhanna] Hadj [Al-Haj]) (later Patriarch) (1861–1890.04.28) Bishop of Baalbek of the Maronites (Lebanon) (1861–1890.04.28)

Educational Institution

Deir El Ahmar account 4 schools, 2 public schools and 2 private schools. Thus, 687 students are schooled in the public institution, and 2485 student are schooled in the private.

Families of Deir El Ahmar

Families in Deir El Ahmar in Alphabetical order:

-Al-Litani -Abou Samra -Abi younes -Akoury -Atallah -Awad -Bethani (Bethoney, Bithoney) -Berkachi -Bou Raffoul -Choueiri -Chit Dirani -Chwah -Dib -El Gemayel (Keyrouz) -El khoury -El Litani -Farha -Fakhry -Gaegea -Habchi -Habka -Imad -Ishac -Joumha -Jreish -Karam -Khadra -Khechen -Keyrouz -Kozah -Lichaa el Khoury -Moubarak -Mouawad -Moussallem -Makhlouf -Mhana -Nakhleh (Fakhry) -Rahmeh -Saadé -Sadka -Saleh -Satiteh (Saadé) -Succar -Tarabay (Torbey) -Tabet -Yaghi -Litani -Yammouni

Famous people

• Roland Habib Jreich, Young poliitical leader, dealing with all aspects of local civil socity, recording the history of the deir el ahmar area.

• tarek boutros habchi, A former deputy in the Lebanese parliament since 1968 until 1992

• Danny Thomas, Lebanese-American actor. From Deir el Ahmar, famous Lebanese-American entertainer Born Muzyad Yakhoob, he began his show biz career in 1932 as a singer at a Detroit radio station; he began performing as an MC-comedian in nightclubs in 1938 and gradually gained popularity and national recognition over the next decade. He debuted onscreen in 1947, going on to a brief film career in corny lead roles or comic supporting parts. He was much more successful on TV, starring in the long-running sitcom Make Room for Daddy (later re-named The Danny Thomas Show); he also starred in a number of specials and made guest appearances on variety shows. In the late '50s Thomas began producing for TV, forming a partnership with Sheldon Leonard and later Aaron Spelling; he produced such series as The Andy Griffith Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Gomer Pyle, and The Mod Squad. He also starred in several failed TV shows including The Danny Thomas Hour and Make Room for Granddaddy. He founded the St. Jude's Research Hospital, which is dedicated to finding cures for catastrophic chidren's diseases. He was the father of actress Marlo Thomas. He authored an autobiography, Make Room for Danny (1990).

• Elias Najjar famous traditional poet & singer (Aataba)
• Raymond G. Tarabay - Ford Motors Company Sales ( United Arab Emirates )

• Marie Keyrouz, Lebanese Christian nun and singer, she founded "L'Ensemble de la Paix" at Lebanon, and The International Institute of the Sacred Chant, in France.
• Tarek G.G. Torbey - Financial analyst - UPP "responsible for the preparation of annual budget, profit and cash forecasts, monthly accounts and year end accounts, also in charge of overall control of the whole cooperation .
• Mahrouss Fakhry Current Oldest man in Deir El Ahmar (110 years), previous major, friend of Kamil Shamoon and he did great Things for his village during this period, helped lot of poor families during 1st war and 2nd war, he is the man of this century.^{[citation needed]}
• Yara, Lebanese singer.
• Fahed Goearges Tarabey - CAO Al Wasita Emirates
• Peter Khoury - Producer, Producer.

Holidays

• Saint Joseph Day (March 19), religious ceremony in Saint Joseph Church
• Saint Elie Day (July 20), religious ceremony in Saint Elias Church
• The Assumption of Mary (August 15) religious ceremony at the shrine of Our Lady of Bechouat
• Feast of the Blessed Sacrement (September 14), religious ceremony in all Deil el Ahmar churches
• Saint Nohra, religious ceremony in Mar Nohra Church

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} http://download.destinationlebanon.com/destleb/Itineraries/Itinerary%2013/13-C%20Deir%20El%20Ahmar.pdf
2. ^ Deir El Ahmar
3. ^ Products
4. ^ Ecotourism

Coordinates: 34°08′N 36°08′E / 34.133°N 36.133°E / 34.133; 36.133

• http://www.deirelahmar.com
• [1]
• http://www.gcatholic.com/dioceses/diocese/baal1.htm