The Middle East is an interesting, distinctive part of the planet. The oldest cities, a unique culture - all this is the Middle East. The country of Lebanon (Lebanon) is one of the most stunning states in the Middle East. Historical and cultural monuments are concentrated here, the ancient world and modernity coexist here, here is the cradle of many world religions.
Geographical position
Lebanon in the West is known as Lebanon. The country is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea in a mountainous area.
The northern and eastern borders of the country relate to the borders of Syria, the southern - to Israel. The capital of the republic is
Beirut. Lebanon is a small state with a population of four million, 95% of which are indigenous Lebanese. 87% of the population lives in cities, the largest of which are Beirut, Tripoli, Pollock.
The climate in the part of the Middle East where Lebanon is located is subtropical Mediterranean. At the highest peaks, snow lies year-round. This attracts tourists keen on skiing.
History of Lebanese land
On the territory of South-West Asia, civilizations have been developing for many millennia. Lebanon is a country located on the territory of the ancient and powerful Phenicia. According to American scientists, of the fifteen oldest settlements in the world, thirteen are located in the Middle East. This list also includes four Lebanese cities: Byblos, Beirut, Tire, Sidon. Such facts allow us to conclude that the country of Lebanon has a unique history and preserves a unique culture.
City Byblos
Archaeologists date the emergence of settlements on the site of the modern Lebanese city of Jubail in the 7th century BC. Byblos is the oldest ever populated city in the world. The name was given to him by the ancient Greeks, who transported papyrus (byblos) from it. From ancient times, the city is considered a transit point on the way from Africa to Europe. Having a strategically important geographical location Byblos was under the rule of Babylon, and Egypt, and Persia, and Byzantium. That is why the architectural appearance of the city is so diverse. The Roman amphitheater of the beginning of the 3rd century AD is preserved, which is located in a picturesque place on a steep seashore.
Near the theater, the ancient tombs of the Phoenician kings were found. The inscription on the sarcophagus of Hiram - the king who ruled in the 12th century
BC - is made by the ancient Phoenician alphabet. There are places in Byblos that are mentioned in
ancient literature and the Bible. So, according to legend, the tears of Queen Isis, mourning her husband Osiris, gathered in the Tsar’s well. In the 12-13 centuries, during the time of the Crusaders, the construction of the Church of St. John, which has preserved its architecture to the present time, was underway.
City Sidon
The country of Lebanon conceals the heart of the Phoenician civilization - the city of Saidu, formerly known as Sidon. In the Bible, the inhabitants of Phenicia are called Sidonians. A city with an ancient and rich history for many centuries, fought with the city of Tire (the modern name of Sur) for the championship in Phenicia. Sidon is famous for purple and unique glassware. On the territory of the city there are preserved monuments from the time of the prosperity of Phenicia, the rule of the Greeks, Crusaders and Turks.
Lebanon Culture
The millennial history of Lebanese land could not but reflect on the modern cultural appearance of the country. As in the country of the Middle East, the predominant population is Muslim. In Lebanon, a large percentage of the Christian population of different faiths. As a multi-ethnic country, Lebanon is known for its distinctive centuries-old cultural traditions. Tourists are attracted annually by numerous festivals held mainly in Beirut and Baalbek.
The music of Lebanon is appreciated for a very peculiar, but beautiful alternation of rhythms and tempo. The Phoenician art of wood carving and mother of pearl creation still exists. Lebanon is famous for its national cuisine, combining Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.
Center of gravity
Lebanon hospitably welcomes tourists from all over the world. Here everyone can find a lot of interesting things for themselves. Fans of history, archeology and architecture can visit the museums of Beirut, Thira, Byblos, Tripoli and the historical sites of these cities. Those wishing to relax and enjoy the many beaches on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The coastline is divided into sand and basalt with a sharp cliff in the sea. For tourists who prefer active leisure, Lebanon can offer diving in the Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon's dive sites, where you can see the buildings of the Roman Empire, are open all year. Cedar, Faraya, Lakluk - the main ski resorts in the country Lebanon. Which country does not welcome guests with national cuisine? Lebanese cuisine has dishes for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Pilgrimage excursions are also organized in Lebanon. The most visited is the Convent of the Mother of God (Deir Saydet el Nuria), which is associated with many wonderful deliverances and healings. Tourists who appreciate the beauty of nature will be surprised by the karate caves of Jate, a cedar grove in Bishari.