Amioun
Encyclopedia
Amioun in and other scripts of the name, are most probably transliterated from the original Amyūn. It is the capital town of the predominantly Greek Orthodox area Koura District
(i.e. χωριά, villages in Greek) in the North of Lebanon
.
and Aramean periods. The name was actually cited in the letters of Tell el Amarna, which were sent in the 14 th century B.C. by local governors in Lebanon
to their overlords, the pharaohs of Egypt
. Those letters provide information on conditions in Lebanon at that time. Cited in those letters is the word “ Amia”, a name that might have been used to refer to the site of present-day Amioun. In his etymological study of the names of Lebanon’s towns and villages, Anis Freiha
thinks that Amioun’s name is derived from the Semitic – Aramaic word “ Emun” , which means a fortified and invincible fort.
and the whole Middle East
. The inhabitants of the city are descendants of Phoenicians, Greeks
and Ghassanids
and they speak Arabic as a first language
. The major political party in the city is the Syrian Social Nationalist Party
.There also supporters of the Free Patriotic Movement
, Marada Movement, Lebanese Communist Party
, Kataeb and Lebanese Forces
.There is a large population of people from Amioun around the world.
there is the only Orthodox university in the world, The University of Balamand
. There is a public library and a private hospital.
Located in the heart of Northern Lebanon
, Amioun is the administrative center of the el Koura District
(the Caza of el Koura). Amioun is about 330 meters above sea level and is approximately 78 kilometers away from Beirut
, Lebanon’s capital. It is about 42 kilometers away from the Cedars
and 18 kilometers away from Tripoli
, the center of the Province of north Lebanon (Muhafazat Ash-Shamal).
Situated between the sea and the mountains, on a chain of beautiful hills that stretch from east to west, Amioun has a distinctive location and a breathtaking view. Surrounding the hills on which Amioun is situated are olive fields in the north and vineyards, almond orchards, and olive trees in the south. Paved roads, including the Beirut-Cedars main highway, run through those hills. Long ago, when the houses that stretched on those hills were few, Amioun was called “the town of beautiful hills”. Amioun can be reached via the highway that passes through Byblos
, Batroun
, Chekka
, and Kfarhazir
. It can also be reached from Tripoli by way of Bahsas, Dahr El Ain, Aaba
, and Bishmizzine
.
Amioun is a very old town whose history can be traced back to the earliest periods. In the past years, a number of French and German orientalists – foremost of whom was the Frenchman Ernest Renan
– visited it, studied its archaeological sites, and wrote a lot about them. Amioun’s history goes back to the middle of the eolithic period. The eolithic groups that had been in this region before the arrival of the ancient Semitic peoples (around 4000 B.C. or even earlier) continued to live there during the Paleolithic
and Neolithic
periods. This is supported by the existence of small caves in the rocky hill of Amioun, that is, in the ancient part of the town. It is in this part of Amioun that we have two of the oldest archaeological sites in the town : the cavities of the “Sheer” (the Arabic word for cliff), above which St John’s church stands, and the Cathedral of St George “ el Dahleez” ( the Arabic word for tunnel).
Amioun has been inhabited since the earliest periods. In his book “The Monuments of Lebanon”, Father Lamens mentions a number of towns, one of which is “Amia” (p.76). According to Condor
, this town of “Amia” is none other than present-day Amioun. If Condor’s claim is true, Amioun may be considered as the oldest town in the interior of Lebanon
. ( See Condor, the Tell el Amarna Tablets, 2nd ed., London, 1894).
Amioun’s past has left its mark on different historical periods, whether ancient, medieval, or modern. Some of its monuments can be traced back to a period when different pagan religions prevailed. With the advent of Christianity
, the pagan temples in Amioun were transformed into churches whose bells signalled the triumph of monotheism
.
During the 20-th century, major changes touched local population, which was based on agriculture, mainly olive, olive oil and soap production, and modify it into the highest educated society in Lebanon. This resulted in a huge percentage, almost 30%, of highly educated people, mainly in the medical domain. Now hundreds of physicians display vital positions in the motherland and abroad.
Lebanese philosopher Nassim Nicholas Taleb describes his attachement to his hometown in the following verses;
The Taleb Palazzo in Amioun was built in 1860 for the great-great-great-great-great-grandfather of Nassim Nicholas Taleb, that being Ibrahim Taleb Nabbout by Florentine architects and completed in 1860, financed by his brothers who were silk traders. Occupied by Ibrahim, then his son Assaad Beik Taleb (there is a frame of the "firman", the "Beik" title granted by the Ottoman), then by Assaad's son Nassim Beik Taleb, then Chafic, then daughters Laure and Evelynne Taleb, then by Yvonne, Laure's only childå. The residence is currently occupied by Edgar Taleb Khoury, son of Yvonne Taleb, great-grandson of Nassim Taleb.
Near the old town government building, or "Serail," is the Chapel of Marina, an ancient burial vault converted into a chapel.
Cathedrals
Churches
Monasteries
Additional references:
Additional geographical information:
Koura District
Koura or El Koura is a district in the North Governorate, Lebanon.Koura is one of the 36 districts of Lebanon, which is very popular for the olive tree cultivation. It is known by its dark green color....
(i.e. χωριά, villages in Greek) in the North of Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
.
Name
Amioun’s name is very ancient and can be traced back to the earliest SemiticSemitic
In linguistics and ethnology, Semitic was first used to refer to a language family of largely Middle Eastern origin, now called the Semitic languages...
and Aramean periods. The name was actually cited in the letters of Tell el Amarna, which were sent in the 14 th century B.C. by local governors in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
to their overlords, the pharaohs of Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
. Those letters provide information on conditions in Lebanon at that time. Cited in those letters is the word “ Amia”, a name that might have been used to refer to the site of present-day Amioun. In his etymological study of the names of Lebanon’s towns and villages, Anis Freiha
Anis Freiha
Anis Freiha was a Lebanese author who has written extensively about Lebanese traditional village life.-Life:He was born in the town of Ras el Matn , Mount Lebanon...
thinks that Amioun’s name is derived from the Semitic – Aramaic word “ Emun” , which means a fortified and invincible fort.
Demographics
Amioun has a population of around 15,000. They are followers of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch. Amioun is the largest entirely Greek Orthodox city in LebanonLebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
and the whole Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
. The inhabitants of the city are descendants of Phoenicians, Greeks
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
and Ghassanids
Ghassanids
The Ghassanids were a group of South Arabian Christian tribes that emigrated in the early 3rd century from Yemen to Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and the Holy Land....
and they speak Arabic as a first language
First language
A first language is the language a person has learned from birth or within the critical period, or that a person speaks the best and so is often the basis for sociolinguistic identity...
. The major political party in the city is the Syrian Social Nationalist Party
Syrian Social Nationalist Party
The Syrian Social Nationalist Party , is a secular nationalist political party in Lebanon and Syria. It advocates the establishment of a Syrian nation state spanning the Fertile Crescent, including present day Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, the Palestinian Territories, Israel, Cyprus, Kuwait,...
.There also supporters of the Free Patriotic Movement
Free Patriotic Movement
The Free Patriotic Movement , also known as the "Aounist Movement" , is a Lebanese political party, led by Michel Aoun and allied with Hezbollah, The movement was officially declared a political party on September 18, 2005Though most of the party's support comes from Lebanon's...
, Marada Movement, Lebanese Communist Party
Lebanese Communist Party
The Lebanese Communist Party – LCP or Parti communiste libanais in French, is a communist political party in Lebanon...
, Kataeb and Lebanese Forces
Lebanese Forces
The Lebanese Forces is a Lebanese political party. Founded as a militia by Bachir Gemayel during the Lebanese Civil War, the movement fought as the main militia within the Christian-dominated Lebanese Front...
.There is a large population of people from Amioun around the world.
Religion, Education and Health
Amioun has 11 Greek Orthodox churches (St.George el Dahleez, St.John al Sheer,Al Sayydeh, St.Sergios, St.Barbara, St.Domitios, St.Marina, St.Phocas, St.Simon, St. George Al-Kafer and St.Gala). There are three public schools and two private. In KouraKoura District
Koura or El Koura is a district in the North Governorate, Lebanon.Koura is one of the 36 districts of Lebanon, which is very popular for the olive tree cultivation. It is known by its dark green color....
there is the only Orthodox university in the world, The University of Balamand
University of Balamand
The University of Balamand is a private, secular university located at El-Koura, Lebanon. It was founded by the Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius IV of Antioch in 1988...
. There is a public library and a private hospital.
Location
North Governorate
North Governorate is one of the governorates of Lebanon. Its capital is Tripoli.-Districts:The North Governorate is divided into districts, or aqdya...
, Amioun is the administrative center of the el Koura District
Koura District
Koura or El Koura is a district in the North Governorate, Lebanon.Koura is one of the 36 districts of Lebanon, which is very popular for the olive tree cultivation. It is known by its dark green color....
(the Caza of el Koura). Amioun is about 330 meters above sea level and is approximately 78 kilometers away from Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
, Lebanon’s capital. It is about 42 kilometers away from the Cedars
Cedars
Cedars may refer to:* Cedar , several types of tree* Cedars-Sinai Medical Center* The Cedars, Dallas, Texas, a neighborhood near downtown Dallas, Texas, USA* The name of a Virginia mansion, headquarters of The Fellowship Foundation....
and 18 kilometers away from Tripoli
Tripoli, Lebanon
Tripoli is the largest city in northern Lebanon and the second-largest city in Lebanon. Situated 85 km north of the capital Beirut, Tripoli is the capital of the North Governorate and the Tripoli District. Geographically located on the east of the Mediterranean, the city's history dates back...
, the center of the Province of north Lebanon (Muhafazat Ash-Shamal).
Situated between the sea and the mountains, on a chain of beautiful hills that stretch from east to west, Amioun has a distinctive location and a breathtaking view. Surrounding the hills on which Amioun is situated are olive fields in the north and vineyards, almond orchards, and olive trees in the south. Paved roads, including the Beirut-Cedars main highway, run through those hills. Long ago, when the houses that stretched on those hills were few, Amioun was called “the town of beautiful hills”. Amioun can be reached via the highway that passes through Byblos
Byblos
Byblos is the Greek name of the Phoenician city Gebal . It is a Mediterranean city in the Mount Lebanon Governorate of present-day Lebanon under the current Arabic name of Jubayl and was also referred to as Gibelet during the Crusades...
, Batroun
Batroun
The coastal city of Batroun located in northern Lebanon is one of the oldest cities of the world. Batroun is home to a Lebanese Red Cross First Aid Center.- Etymology :...
, Chekka
Chekka
Chekka is coastal town located in the South of North Lebanon. It is located north of Râs ach-Chaq’a’ and Herri beaches, or Theoprosopon of classical times and south of the ancient Phoenician port of Enfeh and the city of Tripoli. The origin of the word is believed to be Canaanite from the word...
, and Kfarhazir
Kfarhazir
Kfarhazir is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon. It is 360 metres above sea level, and has the area of 4.69 square miles. In the last municipal elections of 2004, Kfar Hazir counted 3606 registered voters of which 2276 actually voted. There is a single public school there, which...
. It can also be reached from Tripoli by way of Bahsas, Dahr El Ain, Aaba
Aaba
Aaba is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon. It is 285 metres above sea level and has roughly 500 residents.-References:...
, and Bishmizzine
Bishmizzine
Bishmizzine , or Bishmezzine, Bechmezzine, Beshmizzine, Bishmezzine, is a village in the Koura district of the North Governorate of Lebanon at Latitude 34°19'12.66"N and Longitude 35°47'49.69"E. It is about 275 meters above sea level...
.
Amioun in History
Ernest Renan
Ernest Renan was a French expert of Middle East ancient languages and civilizations, philosopher and writer, devoted to his native province of Brittany...
– visited it, studied its archaeological sites, and wrote a lot about them. Amioun’s history goes back to the middle of the eolithic period. The eolithic groups that had been in this region before the arrival of the ancient Semitic peoples (around 4000 B.C. or even earlier) continued to live there during the Paleolithic
Paleolithic
The Paleolithic Age, Era or Period, is a prehistoric period of human history distinguished by the development of the most primitive stone tools discovered , and covers roughly 99% of human technological prehistory...
and Neolithic
Neolithic
The Neolithic Age, Era, or Period, or New Stone Age, was a period in the development of human technology, beginning about 9500 BC in some parts of the Middle East, and later in other parts of the world. It is traditionally considered as the last part of the Stone Age...
periods. This is supported by the existence of small caves in the rocky hill of Amioun, that is, in the ancient part of the town. It is in this part of Amioun that we have two of the oldest archaeological sites in the town : the cavities of the “Sheer” (the Arabic word for cliff), above which St John’s church stands, and the Cathedral of St George “ el Dahleez” ( the Arabic word for tunnel).
Amioun has been inhabited since the earliest periods. In his book “The Monuments of Lebanon”, Father Lamens mentions a number of towns, one of which is “Amia” (p.76). According to Condor
Condor
Condor is the name for two species of New World vultures, each in a monotypic genus. They are the largest flying land birds in the Western Hemisphere.They are:* The Andean Condor which inhabits the Andean mountains....
, this town of “Amia” is none other than present-day Amioun. If Condor’s claim is true, Amioun may be considered as the oldest town in the interior of Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
. ( See Condor, the Tell el Amarna Tablets, 2nd ed., London, 1894).
Amioun’s past has left its mark on different historical periods, whether ancient, medieval, or modern. Some of its monuments can be traced back to a period when different pagan religions prevailed. With the advent of Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
, the pagan temples in Amioun were transformed into churches whose bells signalled the triumph of monotheism
Monotheism
Monotheism is the belief in the existence of one and only one god. Monotheism is characteristic of the Baha'i Faith, Christianity, Druzism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Samaritanism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism.While they profess the existence of only one deity, monotheistic religions may still...
.
Landmarks
- Saint George Cathedral: erected over a former temple at the highest populated spot of the town, as mentioned in a circular written by instructor of history in the official Lebanese schools Choukrallah Al-Nabbout. (Fig. 1)
- Saint John "al-sheer" church: Elevated on a rocky cliff over a number of vaults in the southeastern facade of the cliff. A Triple scene of a Crusaders church (1099–1100) panoramic over the 28 man-made crypts in the facade whose carbon-dating suggests 15000–24000 years of age.
- The town of Amioun, is known being a site for the Battle of AmiounBattle of AmiounThe Battle of Amioun was a battle which took place in Amioun El-Koura, in 694 between Byzantine troops and Monothelite Christians. The battle of Amioun devotes the independence of the first Lebanese state Maronite, with for Baskinta capital....
, a historical clashBattle of AmiounThe Battle of Amioun was a battle which took place in Amioun El-Koura, in 694 between Byzantine troops and Monothelite Christians. The battle of Amioun devotes the independence of the first Lebanese state Maronite, with for Baskinta capital....
in 694 A.D. between the ByzantineByzantineByzantine usually refers to the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages.Byzantine may also refer to:* A citizen of the Byzantine Empire, or native Greek during the Middle Ages...
troops, under the leadership of Murik and Murikian, and some followers of the Monothelite doctrine, as mentioned in the article below by Chedid Al-Azar.
During the 20-th century, major changes touched local population, which was based on agriculture, mainly olive, olive oil and soap production, and modify it into the highest educated society in Lebanon. This resulted in a huge percentage, almost 30%, of highly educated people, mainly in the medical domain. Now hundreds of physicians display vital positions in the motherland and abroad.
Notable residents
- Jacobo Majluta AzarJacobo Majluta AzarJacobo Majluta Azar was born in Santo Domingo, on 9 October 1934 and died on 2 March 1996. A politician from Dominican Republic of Lebanese descent, he was vice president in the government of President Antonio Guzmán and became president, for 43 days, with the suicide of President Guzmán.He joined...
former President of the Dominican Republic - Abdallah Saadeh former leader of the Syrian Social Nationalist PartySyrian Social Nationalist PartyThe Syrian Social Nationalist Party , is a secular nationalist political party in Lebanon and Syria. It advocates the establishment of a Syrian nation state spanning the Fertile Crescent, including present day Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, the Palestinian Territories, Israel, Cyprus, Kuwait,...
- Salim SaadeSalim SaadeSalim Abdallah Saade is a Lebanese politician and member of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party.-References:...
member of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party and former member of the Lebanese Parliament - Jacques NasserJacques NasserJacques Nasser is a leading global business executive who currently serves as Chairman of the Board of BHP Billiton. After serving as a Director of BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc since 2006, Mr. Nasser was appointed Chairman of both companies effective 31 March 2010...
- Nassim TalebNassim TalebNassim Nicholas Taleb is a Lebanese American essayist whose work focuses on problems of randomness and probability. His 2007 book The Black Swan was described in a review by Sunday Times as one of the twelve most influential books since World War II....
, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
Author of "The Black Swan". - Nadim Beik Chammas prominent benefactor and politician.
- Dr.George N. AtiyehGeorge N. AtiyehGeorge N. Atiyeh was a Lebanese librarian and scholar. He was head of the Near East Section of the Library of Congress from 1991–1994....
- Dr.Marcel J. Hawi
- Robert Bahij Salem
- Hala Madridista
Lebanese philosopher Nassim Nicholas Taleb describes his attachement to his hometown in the following verses;
The Taleb Palazzo in Amioun was built in 1860 for the great-great-great-great-great-grandfather of Nassim Nicholas Taleb, that being Ibrahim Taleb Nabbout by Florentine architects and completed in 1860, financed by his brothers who were silk traders. Occupied by Ibrahim, then his son Assaad Beik Taleb (there is a frame of the "firman", the "Beik" title granted by the Ottoman), then by Assaad's son Nassim Beik Taleb, then Chafic, then daughters Laure and Evelynne Taleb, then by Yvonne, Laure's only childå. The residence is currently occupied by Edgar Taleb Khoury, son of Yvonne Taleb, great-grandson of Nassim Taleb.
Location
Known as Ammiya in the second millennium B.C., the modern town of Amyoun lies on an important archaeological tell. Of major interest are the churches of Mar Jurius (St. George), built on the cellar of a Roman temple, and Mar Fauqa, or St. Phocas, built by local architects during the Crusader period. The entire interior of St.Phocas is covered with Byzantine-style wall paintings of the 12th and 13th centuries. A third church is the modern red-roofed Mar Youhanna (St. John) perched on a rocky cliff with tomb openings on its southeastern facade.Near the old town government building, or "Serail," is the Chapel of Marina, an ancient burial vault converted into a chapel.
Families
- Alzuguir/EL Saghir
- Andraos
- Azar
- Atiyeh
- Barakat
- Borgi
- Darzi
- ELIAS
- Ghantous
- Hawi
- Jabbour
- Kakos
- Karam
- Khoury
- Makhlouta
- Mansur
- Nabbout
- Nassar
- Nassif
- Rizk
- Saade
- Shammas
- Taleb
- Younes
- Salem
Churches and Monasteries
There are 11 places of Christian worship in Amioun, including churches and monasteries.Cathedrals
- Cathedral of Saint George el Dahleez (Greek Orthodox)
Churches
- Church of Saint John al Sheer (Greek Orthodox)
- Church of Al Sayydeh(Our Lady) (Greek Orthodox)
- Church of Saint Sergios (Greek Orthodox)
- Church of Saint BarbaraSaint BarbaraSaint Barbara, , Feast Day December 4, known in the Eastern Orthodox Church as the Great Martyr Barbara, was an early Christian saint and martyr....
(Greek Orthodox) - Church of Saint Domitios (Greek Orthodox)
- Church of Saint MarinaSaint MarinaSaint Marina may refer to:*Saint Margaret of Antioch, also known as Saint Margaret the Virgin, Saint Marina the Martyr or Agia Marina by the Orthodox Church...
(Greek Orthodox) - Church of Saint PhocasSaint PhocasSaint Phocas, sometimes called Phocas the Gardener or Phocas of Sinope, is venerated as a martyr by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches...
(Greek Orthodox) - Church of Saint Gala(Our Lady) (Greek Orthodox)
- Church of Saint SimonSimon the ZealotThe apostle called Simon Zelotes, Simon the Zealot, in Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13; and Simon Kananaios or Simon Cananeus , was one of the most obscure among the apostles of Jesus. Little is recorded of him aside from his name...
(Greek Orthodox)
Monasteries
- Monastery of Saint George Al-Kafer (Greek Orthodox)
Trivia
- Politically, the inhabitants of Amioun are mostly aligned with the Syrian Social Nationalist PartySyrian Social Nationalist PartyThe Syrian Social Nationalist Party , is a secular nationalist political party in Lebanon and Syria. It advocates the establishment of a Syrian nation state spanning the Fertile Crescent, including present day Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, the Palestinian Territories, Israel, Cyprus, Kuwait,...
. - Amioun is the biggest Greek Orthodox settlement in the entire LebanonLebanonLebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
.
Twin towns – Sister cities
Amioun is twinned with:| Kalamata Kalamata Kalamata is the second-largest city of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. The capital and chief port of the Messenia prefecture, it lies along the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf... , Greece Greece Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe.... |
Additional information
| Koura Villages | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Aaba Aaba Aaba is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon. It is 285 metres above sea level and has roughly 500 residents.-References:... |
2. Afsdik Afsdik Afsdik is a mixed village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
3. Ain Akrine Ain Akrine Ain Akrine is a Maronite village in Koura District of Lebanon. It was established in the early 19th century.-History:In the Ottoman time, a group of Christianity was living this village known by Nawous town, where its people were immigrated because of oppression. Whereas, the history of Ain Akrine... |
4. Ali-al-Mouran Ali-al-Mouran Ali-al-Mouran is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
| 5. Amioun | 6. Anfeh | 7. Badebhoun Badebhoun Badebhoun is a Sunni Muslim village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
8. Barghoun Barghoun Barghoun is a Sunni Muslim village in Koura District of Lebanon. In the north of the village there lies the remains of a 12th-14th century church dedicated to Saint Barbara.-References:... |
| 9. Barsa Barsa Barsa is a famous encyclopedia from Latin America. It is widely known in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela and Mexico. It has printed versions in Portuguese and Spanish with 9 volumes each and 2,842 pages. Barsa also has a multimedia version.... |
10. Bdebba Bdebba Bdebba بدبا is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.- Etymology :The word Bdebba has Syriac origins and is formed of two parts “Bet Dibba”. “Bet” means “house” and “Dibba” means “bear”... |
11. Batroumine Batroumine Batroumine is a small Greek Orthodox village located in north Lebanon. The village is known too for Olives, Oil, Soap, Grapes, Wine, Arak , Figs and Blueberries production.- Location of Batroumine :... |
12. Bishmizzine Bishmizzine Bishmizzine , or Bishmezzine, Bechmezzine, Beshmizzine, Bishmezzine, is a village in the Koura district of the North Governorate of Lebanon at Latitude 34°19'12.66"N and Longitude 35°47'49.69"E. It is about 275 meters above sea level... |
| 13. Bhabouch Bhabouch Bhabouch is a Shia Muslim village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
14. Bishriyata Bishriyata Bishriyata is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
15. Bkomra Bkomra Bkomra is a Shia Muslim village in Koura District of Lebanon. It is also spelt Bkumra or Bkumrā.... |
16. Bneyel Bneyel Bneyel is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
| 17. Bohssas Bohssas Bohssas is a Sunni Muslim village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
18. Btourram Btourram Btourram is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.It has three big families Yazbeck ,Serhan & Malek... |
19. Btouratige Btouratige Btouratige is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
20. Bkeftine Bkeftine Bkeftine is a Sunni Muslim village in Koura District of Lebanon. It is 180 metres above sea level, and has an area of 0.99 square miles. In 2004 there were 941 residents, of whom 602 were registered voters but just 380 actually voted in the municipal elections.... |
| 21. Bnehran Bnehran Bnehran is a Shia Muslim village in Koura District of Lebanon. It is 570 metres above sea level and has an area of 1.05 square miles. It has 50 households and 566 residents.... |
22. Bsarma Bsarma Bsarma is a Maronite village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
23. Btaaboura Btaaboura Btaaboura is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon. A church is being constructed as of June 2011, it is dedicated to St. Elias.-References:... |
24. Bziza Bziza Bziza is a Maronite village in Koura District of Lebanon. There is a well-preserved Roman temple with three of its frontal portico columns still standing. In Byzantine times a two-apse church known as Our Lady of the Columns was built within its walls.... |
| 25. Charlita Charlita Charlita is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
26. Chira Chira Chira may refer to:* Chira County, a county in Xinjiang, China* Chira , a genus of spiders* a flattened rice in Indian cuisine-See also:* Río Chira... |
27. Dahr-al-Ain Dahr-al-Ain Dahr-al-Ain is a Maronite village in Koura District of Lebanon. It attracted media attention in May 2010 when two brothers, Tony and Nayef Saleh, were shot Hanna al-Bersawi on May 28, apparently for political reasons only days before the municipal polls.... |
28. Darbechtar Darbechtar Darbechtar is a village located on the South-Eastern periphery of the Koura District in the North Governorate of the Republic of Lebanon.... |
| 29. Darchmezzine Darchmezzine Darchmezzine is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
30. Deddeh Deddeh Deddeh is mixed village, 60% Greek Orthodox and 40% Sunni Muslim, in Koura District of Lebanon. It is 295 metres above sea level and it has an area of 2.75 square miles. There are 3993 residents in Deddeh. In the last municipal elections of 2004, Deddeh counted 5457 registered voters of which 3444... |
31. Fih FIH FIH may refer to:* FIH Erhvervsbank A/S, a Danish corporate and investment bank specialising in lending to Danish corporates* Falkland Islands Holdings, a company which plays a key role in the economy of the Falkland Islands... |
32. Ijdebrine Ijdebrine Ijdebrine is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
| 33. Kaftoun Kaftoun Kaftoun is a small Lebanese village located along the north bank of the Nahr el Jaouz ,in the Koura District, North Lebanon.The population of the Village is approximately three-hundred, spread around seventy-four houses... |
34. Kifraya Kifraya Kifraya is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District, in the Northern Governorate of Lebanon. The village is famous for its wines.... |
35. Kelbata Kelbata Kelbatais a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
36. Kelhat Kelhat Kelhat is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
| 37. Kfaraakka Kfaraakka Kfaraakka is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
38. Kfarhata Kfarhata Kfarhata is a Greek Orthodox village located in the Koura District in the North Governorate of Lebanon... |
39. Kfarhazir Kfarhazir Kfarhazir is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon. It is 360 metres above sea level, and has the area of 4.69 square miles. In the last municipal elections of 2004, Kfar Hazir counted 3606 registered voters of which 2276 actually voted. There is a single public school there, which... |
40. Kaferkahel Kaferkahel Kaferkahel and some says Kfarqahel is a Lebanese village of Al-Koura villages in the North governorate. Characterized by its geographical location as it separates the district of Al-Koura and Zagarta-corner through the valley Qadisha and the river Qadisha. The village is half Christians , half... |
| 41. Kfarsaroun Kfarsaroun Kfarsaroun is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
42. Kousba Kousba Kousba is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District, in the Northern Governorate of Lebanon.-History:The Name Kousba comes from the word hidden because how the village is hidden in between all the trees and mountains... |
43. Maziriit Toula Maziriit Toula Maziriit Toula is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
44. Mitrit Mitrit Mitrit is a Shia Muslim village in Koura District, Lebanon of Lebanon.... |
| 45. Mijdel Mijdel Mijdel is a Maronite village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
46. Nakhleh Nakhleh Nakhleh is a Sunni Muslim village in the Koura District of Lebanon.... |
47. Rachedbine Rachedbine Rachedbine is a Maronite village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
48. Ras Maska Ras Maska Ras Maska is a village located in the Koura District in the North Governorate of Lebanon.-Geography:This village is located in the koura district on the hills overlooking the Mediterranean to the south of Tripoli... |
| 49. Ras Osta Ras Osta Ras Osta is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon. It is 900 metres above sea level and it has an area of 1.66 square miles.-References:... |
50. Wata Fares Wata Fares Wata Fares is a Greek Orthodox village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
51. Zakroun Zakroun Zakroun is a Maronite village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
52. Zakzouk Zakzouk Zakzouk is a Maronite village in Koura District of Lebanon.... |
External links
Additional pictures:- http://www.fooledbyrandomness.com/amioun.htm
Additional references:
- http://www.amioun.org/ Official site
Additional geographical information:
- http://www.fallingrain.com/world/LE/3/Amioun.html
- http://www.lebweb.com/site/lebanon-amioun-42222
- http://www.lebanonatlas.com/lebanonmajorcities/North/Amioun/index.htm
See also
- List of cities in Lebanon
- Greek Orthodox Christians in Greater Syria
- University of BalamandUniversity of BalamandThe University of Balamand is a private, secular university located at El-Koura, Lebanon. It was founded by the Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius IV of Antioch in 1988...
- Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch