Armenians of Lebanon
Encyclopedia
The Armenians in Lebanon are Lebanese
citizens of Armenian
descent. There has been an Armenian presence in Lebanon for centuries. While there has not been a census for a few decades, because the balance between Christians and Muslims is considered to be a volatile subject, it is estimated that there are approximately 150,000 Armenians in Lebanon, or around 4% of the population. Prior to the Lebanese Civil War
, the number was higher, but the community lost a portion of its population to emigration. Prior to 1975, Beirut was a thriving epicenter of Armenian culture with varied media production that was exported to the Armenian diaspora.
conquered Phoenicia
from the Seleucids and made it part of his short lived Armenian Empire. When the Roman Empire
established its rule over both Armenia and ancient Lebanon, some Roman troops of Armenian origin went there in order to accomplish their duties as Romans. After Armenia converted to Christianity in 301, Armenian pilgrims established contact with Lebanon and its people on their way to Jerusalem; some of whom even settled there.
The Armenian presence in Lebanon during the Ottoman
period was minimal, however, there was a large influx of Armenians after the Armenian Genocide
of 1915.
When Armenians first came to Lebanon they inhabited the area of Karantina
. Later on, in Bourj Hammoud
, a thriving Armenian community was formed.
In 1939, after the French ceded the Syria
n territory of Alexandretta to Kemalist
Turkey
, Armenians, other Christians, and Arabs from the area moved to the Bekaa Valley. The Armenians were grouped in Anjar
, where a community exists to this day.
During the Lebanese Civil War, Armenians, grouped in Bourj Hammoud and Anjar, did their best to remain neutral. There are three prominent Armenian political parties in Lebanon: the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(Tashnag), Social Democrat Hunchakian Party
(Hunchag) and Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar Party). They play significant influence in all facets of Armenian life. Various Armenian armed organizations, such as ASALA
, JCAG and ARA
became active in Lebanon, and used it as a launching pad for their operations.
Put forth by the Armenian bloc of the Lebanese Parliament, the legislature unanimously approved on April 4, 1997 a resolution, calling for the commemoration of the 82nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish government.
After the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict
, Turkey proposed to send some of its troops to Lebanon as a part of UNIFIL. Most Armenians strongly oppose Turkish involvement.
. From Beirut proper we can mention grander Ashrafieh: Hadjen(Corniche Nahr), Khalil Badawi, Karm el Zeytoun(Հայաշէն),Rmeil,Jmmeyze,Soursok,and Jeitawi.Armenians have had strong presence also in other Beirut regions such as Khandaq Ghamik,Zokak Blat,Zarif,Bab Idris, Sanayeh (Kantari),Clemenceau and Hamra, among others. During the civil war many of these Armenians emigrated or fled to safer regions in Lebanon.
From the Beirut suburbs, there are big concentrations in Matn District, particularly Bourj Hammoud
, Dora-Amanos, Fanar, Rawda, Jdeide, Zalka, Jal El Dib, Antelias
, Mzher(Dzaghgatzor), Naccash, Dbayeh,Awkar and in the regions situated from Antelias to Bikfaya.
To the north. there are further Armenian populations scattered in Jounieh, Jbeil (Byblos) and Tripoli (particularly the Mina area).
There are Armenian religious centers in Antelias and Bikfaya (Armenian Apostolic Church
) and Beirut and Bzommar (Armenian Catholic Church
). There is an Armenian orphanage in historic sites in Jbeil (Byblos).
In the Bekaa, there are Armenians living in Zahlé
and most notably Anjar
.
, Lebanon in the Metn district
. The suburb is heavily populated by Armenians as it is where most survivors of the Armenian Genocide
settled. Bourj Hammoud is an industrious area and is one of the most densely-populated cities in the Middle East. It is divided into seven major regions, namely Dora, Sader, Nahr Beirut, Anbari, Mar Doumet, Naba'a and Gheilan.
Bourj Hamoud has a majority Armenian population but also has a notable number of other Lebanese Christians, a considerable Shi'a Muslim population, a Kurdish population, and some Palestinian refugees and newcomer Christian refugees from Iraq
.
Most streets in Bourj Hammoud are named after various Armenian cities such as Yerevan
, mountains such as Aragats, and rivers such as Araks. A lot of streets are also named after cities and regions in modern-day-Turkey which were heavily populated by Armenians such as Cilicia
, Marash, Sis
, Adana
, etc.
Because many Protestants in Lebanon are ethnic Armenians, the sole parliamentary slot for Evangelical (Protestant) community has at times been filled by an Armenian, making for a total of 7 Armenian deputees in the Lebanese Parliament.
Lebanese Armenians have also been represented by at least one government minister in the formations of Lebanese governments. In case of larger governments (with 24 ministers and above) Armenians are traditionally given two Armenian government ministry positions.
The Lebanese-Armenians also have their quota in top-level public positions.
Lebanon boasts having the only Armenian university in the Armenian Diaspora (outside the Republic of Armenia) called Haigazian University
(HU) one of Beirut's most prestigious academic institutions. Founded in 1955, Haigazian is a liberal arts Armenian institution of higher learning, which uses English as the language of instruction.
Most schools are run by church organizations of the three Armenian Christian denominations (Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical). Others are run by cultural associations like Hamazkayin and Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU)
Some long-running Armenian secondary schools and colleges to mention:
From the defunct Armenian political newspapers besides "Pyunik" in the 1920s, one should mention the independent non-partisan newspaper "Ayk" (after decades of publishing in Armenian, the licence owner Lucie Tosbat sold it to "Monday Morning" Publishing Group and "Ayk" started publishing as an English-language daily renamed "Ike" before folding.) "Ayk" daily's Lebanese-Armenian publishers Dikran and Lucie Tosbat also published the French language "Le Soir".
Special mention should also be made for the Armenian leftist daily newspaper "Joghovourti Tsayn" (meaning Voice of the People).
Lebanon has kept throughout a strong tradition in periodicals and weekly newspapers in the Armenian language, so obviously it is impossible to cover all. But from the notable long-running publications, special mention could be made for:
During the civil war, the Lebanese Armenians established a great number of unlicenced radio stations (some non-stop for 24 hours a day). The pioneer was the popular radio station "Radio Paradise" and later on "Vana Tsayn" (Voice of Van). However with the Lebanese Parliament enacting laws organizing the airwaves, all the unlicenced stations (alongside the other Lebanese stations) had to close.
They were replaced by two operating and fully licenced radio stations operating in Armenian in Lebanon in accordance with the new broadcast laws - "Voice of Van" and "Radio Sevan".
During the Lebanese civil war, an Armenian television station "Paradise Television" co-operated with "Radio Paradise" was established through a broadcast tower in Bourj Hammoud. But "Paradise Television" Armenian television station had to close after it failed to get a broadcasting licence according to the new laws organizing the airwaves.
However very notably, Al Mustaqbal Television (also known as Future Television
) and OTV broadcast daily news and comments in Armenian in their regular programming.
However sometimes there are variations particularly in case of the Armenian Evangelicals, sometimes registered as just Evangelicals or Protestants without mention of Armenian. There are also some Armenian Catholics who are registered under the denomination Latin, sometimes Armenian Latin.
The Holy See of Cilicia is located in Antelias
(a northern suburb of Beirut). It was relocated there in 1930 from Sis (historical Cilicia, now in Turkey) after the Armenian Genocide
. Alongside the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin
located in Republic of Armenia
, it is one of the two sees of the Armenian Apostolic Church
(the national church of Armenians).
The Catholicos, the leader of the Holy See of Cilicia, has his summer residence in Bikfaya
in the Matn District
also north of Beirut. The seminary of the Armenian Apostolic Church is also on site at Bikfaya.
The affairs of the Lebanese Armenian Orthodox population however are run by an independent body, the Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon
(Aratchnortaran Hayots Lipanani) with its own Armenian Primate of Lebanon Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian as head.
The Armenian Apostolic churches in Lebanon include:
Armenian Catholic Church
, has its patriarchate in the Lebanese capital Beirut
, and represents Armenian Catholics around the world. Armenian Catholic Church also has its summer residence and its convent in Bzoummar
, Lebanon, north of Beirut.
The Armenian Catholic churches include:
, headquartered in Ashrafieh. The affairs of the Lebanese Evangelical community is run by the Union of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East
(UAECNE).
Majour Armenian Evangelical Churches:
The churches also have active youth branches called "Tchanits" and summer camps at "Ketchag", near Beirut.
There are also a number of "Brethren" churches of Evangelical orientation ("Yeghpayroutyoun" in Armenian
)
Bikfaya is home to a commemorative plaque and monumental sculpture, honoring the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide
. Designed by Zaven Khedeshian and renovated by Hovsep Khacherian in 1993, the outdoor, freestanding sculpture rests on top of a hill that is located on the grounds of the summer retreat of the Catholicate of Cilicia.
The sculpture is a bronze abstract figure of a woman standing with hands open toward the sky. A plaque with Arabic and Armenian inscriptions reads:
This monument, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, was erected with the cooperation of the whole Armenian Community in Lebanon, to celebrate the rebirth of the Armenian nation and to express gratitude to our country, Lebanon
- April 24 1969.
The Armenian community of Lebanon visits the monument on April 24 every other year. The pilgrimages are alternated with the memorial chapel at the Armenian Catholicossate in Antelias
.
There are three predominantly Armenian sports clubs in Lebanon with a strong tradition in sports as well as Scouting. They are
All of them have various branches distributed in many Lebanese cities throughout the country where there are Lebanese Armenian communities.
There are also many other smaller local Armenian sports clubs as well in various sports.
Homenetmen Beirut has won the Lebanese Football Championship title 7 times in the years: 1944, 1946, 1948, 1951, 1955, 1963 and 1969 and Homenmen Beirut the Championship title 4 times in 1945, 1954, 1957 and 1961. Overall, both clubs feature in the top 5 of most titles in Lebanese football:
Many Lebanese Armenians have played for the Lebanon national football team
. From them, we can mention Mardek Chabarian
, Wartan Ghazarian
.
Many Lebanese Armenians have represented Lebanon in the national team. From them we can mention Vicken Eskedjian and Yervant Avakian. Lebanese national teams have also had coaches and assistant coaches of Armenian origin like Sarkis Kurdjian, Georges Kelzi and Dikran Geokdjian.
In women, the Armenian basketball clubs (Homenetmen and Antranik) are traditionally considered as powerhouses in the sport, and both clubs have won the official Lebanese Basketball Championships women title on several occasions. The Armenian club Antranik's Women Basketball team went on to win the pan-Arab championship titles. Armenian women have had important presence in Lebanese national teams as well, including captain of the team Emma Eskedjian.
For many years, the Lebanese Armenian Hagop Khajirian (Khatcherian) served as president of West Asian Basketball Association (WABA), the governing body for basketball for the West Asia region that includes Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen as sanctioned by FIBA and FIBA Asia.
Individual Armenians have also excelled, most notably in weightlifting, wrestling and martial arts competitions.
tradition in Lebanon, and many of the Lebanese Armenian sports clubs (AGBU, Homenetmen
, Homenmen) also serve as Scouting organizations as well.
Of the deceased politicians, notable mentions would include Khatchig Babikian
, deceased prominent Member of Lebanese Parliament and government Minister on several occasions.
The former President of Lebanon Émile Lahoud
had an Armenian mother and married an Armenian woman, thus making Renée Lahoud Lebanon's first-ever Lebanese-Armenian First Lady.
Harout Topajian , the 18 year old guy , who is a Midfielder in Real Madrid 1st team . He was born in Beirut on 21 July 1993 .
Haig Melikian, well known Lebanese-Armenian Elite cyclist for his unforgetable achievements in Lebanese history of cycling.
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...
citizens of Armenian
Armenians
Armenian people or Armenians are a nation and ethnic group native to the Armenian Highland.The largest concentration is in Armenia having a nearly-homogeneous population with 97.9% or 3,145,354 being ethnic Armenian....
descent. There has been an Armenian presence in Lebanon for centuries. While there has not been a census for a few decades, because the balance between Christians and Muslims is considered to be a volatile subject, it is estimated that there are approximately 150,000 Armenians in Lebanon, or around 4% of the population. Prior to the Lebanese Civil War
Lebanese Civil War
The Lebanese Civil War was a multifaceted civil war in Lebanon. The war lasted from 1975 to 1990 and resulted in an estimated 150,000 to 230,000 civilian fatalities. Another one million people were wounded, and today approximately 350,000 people remain displaced. There was also a mass exodus of...
, the number was higher, but the community lost a portion of its population to emigration. Prior to 1975, Beirut was a thriving epicenter of Armenian culture with varied media production that was exported to the Armenian diaspora.
History
Armenians first established contact with Lebanon when Tigranes the GreatTigranes the Great
Tigranes the Great was emperor of Armenia under whom the country became, for a short time, the strongest state east of the Roman Republic. He was a member of the Artaxiad Royal House...
conquered Phoenicia
Phoenicia
Phoenicia , was an ancient civilization in Canaan which covered most of the western, coastal part of the Fertile Crescent. Several major Phoenician cities were built on the coastline of the Mediterranean. It was an enterprising maritime trading culture that spread across the Mediterranean from 1550...
from the Seleucids and made it part of his short lived Armenian Empire. When the Roman Empire
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
established its rule over both Armenia and ancient Lebanon, some Roman troops of Armenian origin went there in order to accomplish their duties as Romans. After Armenia converted to Christianity in 301, Armenian pilgrims established contact with Lebanon and its people on their way to Jerusalem; some of whom even settled there.
Armenians in Lebanon (1915 - 1975)
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
period was minimal, however, there was a large influx of Armenians after the Armenian Genocide
Armenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide—also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Crime—refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I...
of 1915.
When Armenians first came to Lebanon they inhabited the area of Karantina
Karantina
La Quarantaine, which is colloquially referred to as Karantina and sometimes spelled Quarantina, is a predominately low-income, mixed-use residential, commercial, and semi-industrial neighborhood in northeastern Beirut...
. Later on, in Bourj Hammoud
Bourj Hammoud
Bourj Hammoud is a suburb in North-East Beirut, Lebanon in the Metn district. The suburb is heavily populated by Armenians as it is where most survivors of the Armenian Genocide settled...
, a thriving Armenian community was formed.
In 1939, after the French ceded the Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
n territory of Alexandretta to Kemalist
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was an Ottoman and Turkish army officer, revolutionary statesman, writer, and the first President of Turkey. He is credited with being the founder of the Republic of Turkey....
Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, Armenians, other Christians, and Arabs from the area moved to the Bekaa Valley. The Armenians were grouped in Anjar
Anjar, Lebanon
Anjar , also known as Haoush Mousa , is a town of Lebanon located in the Bekaa Valley. The population is 2,400, consisting almost entirely of Armenians. The total area is about twenty square kilometers...
, where a community exists to this day.
Armenians in Lebanon (1975 - Present)
Armenian Revolutionary Federation
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation is an Armenian political party founded in Tiflis in 1890 by Christapor Mikaelian, Stepan Zorian, and Simon Zavarian...
(Tashnag), Social Democrat Hunchakian Party
Social Democrat Hunchakian Party
The Social Democrat Hunchakian Party , is the oldest of the Armenian political parties and was the first Socialist party in the Ottoman Empire and in Persia...
(Hunchag) and Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar Party). They play significant influence in all facets of Armenian life. Various Armenian armed organizations, such as ASALA
Asala
Asala may refer to:* Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia, a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla organization.* Asalah Nasri, Syrian singer* Al Asalah, a Salafist political party in Bahrain...
, JCAG and ARA
Armenian Revolutionary Army
The Armenian Revolutionary Army was a paramilitary organization, thought to be renamed from the group "Justice Commandos against Armenian Genocide". ARA attacked at least 7 times resulting in at least 6 fatalities and 8 injuries; its last attack occurred in 1985...
became active in Lebanon, and used it as a launching pad for their operations.
Put forth by the Armenian bloc of the Lebanese Parliament, the legislature unanimously approved on April 4, 1997 a resolution, calling for the commemoration of the 82nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish government.
After the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict
2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict
The 2006 Lebanon War, also called the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War and known in Lebanon as the July War #Other uses|Tammūz]]) and in Israel as the Second Lebanon War , was a 34-day military conflict in Lebanon, northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied territories. The principal parties were Hezbollah...
, Turkey proposed to send some of its troops to Lebanon as a part of UNIFIL. Most Armenians strongly oppose Turkish involvement.
Demographics
Armenians live in many areas of Lebanon.Historically most Armenians have lived in Beirut and Matn DistrictMatn District
Matn , sometimes spelled Metn, is a district in the Mount Lebanon Governorate of Lebanon, east of the Lebanon's capital Beirut...
. From Beirut proper we can mention grander Ashrafieh: Hadjen(Corniche Nahr), Khalil Badawi, Karm el Zeytoun(Հայաշէն),Rmeil,Jmmeyze,Soursok,and Jeitawi.Armenians have had strong presence also in other Beirut regions such as Khandaq Ghamik,Zokak Blat,Zarif,Bab Idris, Sanayeh (Kantari),Clemenceau and Hamra, among others. During the civil war many of these Armenians emigrated or fled to safer regions in Lebanon.
From the Beirut suburbs, there are big concentrations in Matn District, particularly Bourj Hammoud
Bourj Hammoud
Bourj Hammoud is a suburb in North-East Beirut, Lebanon in the Metn district. The suburb is heavily populated by Armenians as it is where most survivors of the Armenian Genocide settled...
, Dora-Amanos, Fanar, Rawda, Jdeide, Zalka, Jal El Dib, Antelias
Antelias
Antelias is a town in Lebanon. It is located around 5 km to the north of Beirut. Its inhabitants are mainly Christians and include Armenians , Maronites, Greek Catholics and Greek Orthodox ....
, Mzher(Dzaghgatzor), Naccash, Dbayeh,Awkar and in the regions situated from Antelias to Bikfaya.
To the north. there are further Armenian populations scattered in Jounieh, Jbeil (Byblos) and Tripoli (particularly the Mina area).
There are Armenian religious centers in Antelias and Bikfaya (Armenian Apostolic Church
Armenian Apostolic Church
The Armenian Apostolic Church is the world's oldest National Church, is part of Oriental Orthodoxy, and is one of the most ancient Christian communities. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301 AD, in establishing this church...
) and Beirut and Bzommar (Armenian Catholic Church
Armenian Catholic Church
|- |The Armenian Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic Church sui juris in union with the other Eastern Rite, Oriental Rite and Latin Rite Catholics who accept the Bishop of Rome as spiritual leader of the Church. It is regulated by Eastern canon law...
). There is an Armenian orphanage in historic sites in Jbeil (Byblos).
In the Bekaa, there are Armenians living in Zahlé
Zahlé
Zahlé is the capital and largest city of Beqaa Governorate, Lebanon. With around 50,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city in Lebanon, after Beirut, Tripoli and Jounieh...
and most notably Anjar
Anjar, Lebanon
Anjar , also known as Haoush Mousa , is a town of Lebanon located in the Bekaa Valley. The population is 2,400, consisting almost entirely of Armenians. The total area is about twenty square kilometers...
.
Bourj Hammoud, an Armenian city in Lebanon
Bourj Hammoud (or Burj Hammud) is a suburb in east BeirutBeirut
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 in the Metn district
Matn District
Matn , sometimes spelled Metn, is a district in the Mount Lebanon Governorate of Lebanon, east of the Lebanon's capital Beirut...
. The suburb is heavily populated by Armenians as it is where most survivors of the Armenian Genocide
Armenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide—also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Crime—refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I...
settled. Bourj Hammoud is an industrious area and is one of the most densely-populated cities in the Middle East. It is divided into seven major regions, namely Dora, Sader, Nahr Beirut, Anbari, Mar Doumet, Naba'a and Gheilan.
Bourj Hamoud has a majority Armenian population but also has a notable number of other Lebanese Christians, a considerable Shi'a Muslim population, a Kurdish population, and some Palestinian refugees and newcomer Christian refugees from Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
.
Most streets in Bourj Hammoud are named after various Armenian cities such as Yerevan
Yerevan
Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia and one of the world's oldest continuously-inhabited cities. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of the country...
, mountains such as Aragats, and rivers such as Araks. A lot of streets are also named after cities and regions in modern-day-Turkey which were heavily populated by Armenians such as Cilicia
Cilicia
In antiquity, Cilicia was the south coastal region of Asia Minor, south of the central Anatolian plateau. It existed as a political entity from Hittite times into the Byzantine empire...
, Marash, Sis
Sis
- Places :* Sis * Sis, Armenia, a town* Sis, Azerbaijan, a village* Sis, Iran, a city* Kozan, Adana, Sis in Armenian* Mountains of Sis, a range of the Pre-Pyrenees- Other :...
, Adana
Adana
Adana is a city in southern Turkey and a major agricultural and commercial center. The city is situated on the Seyhan River, 30 kilometres inland from the Mediterranean, in south-central Anatolia...
, etc.
Mezher (Dzaghgatzor), an Armenian town in Lebanon
Mzher (or Dzaghgatzor in Armenian) is a small town located between Antelias and Bssalim, in Matn district. It is a new town, where most of the population is Armenian, along with Christian Arabs and immigrants. In Mzher the Armenian community has one of the top Armenian schools, Melankton and Haig Arslanian College (Jemaran) and a socio-cultural sport club, Aghpalian. The headquarters of SAHALCO are also situated nearby. Most of the Armenians of Mzher come from Bourj Hamoud, Ashrafieh, Anjar and the other old Armenian quarters.Anjar, an Armenian village in Lebanon
Anjar , also known as Haoush Mousa , is a town of Lebanon located in the Bekaa Valley. The population is about 2,400 consisting almost entirely of Armenians.Political representation
According to the traditional Lebanese confessional representation in the Lebanese Parliament, a certain number of seats have been reserved for Armenian candidates according to their confession. Presently the Lebanese-Armenians are represented in the 128-seat Lebanese Parliament with 6 guaranteed seats (5 Armenian Orthodox and 1 Armenian Catholic) as follows:- 3 Armenian Orthodox seats in the capital BeirutBeirutBeirut 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...
- 1 Armenian Orthodox seat in the Matn DistrictMatn DistrictMatn , sometimes spelled Metn, is a district in the Mount Lebanon Governorate of Lebanon, east of the Lebanon's capital Beirut...
- 1 Armenian Orthodox seat in Zahle (Bekaa)
- 1 Armenian Catholic seat in the capital Beirut
Because many Protestants in Lebanon are ethnic Armenians, the sole parliamentary slot for Evangelical (Protestant) community has at times been filled by an Armenian, making for a total of 7 Armenian deputees in the Lebanese Parliament.
Lebanese Armenians have also been represented by at least one government minister in the formations of Lebanese governments. In case of larger governments (with 24 ministers and above) Armenians are traditionally given two Armenian government ministry positions.
The Lebanese-Armenians also have their quota in top-level public positions.
Education
Haigazian University
Haigazian University was founded in 1955 in Beirut, Lebanon. It offers programs leading to Bachelor's degrees in the Arts and Sciences, as well as Master's degrees in the Arts. All degrees from Haigazian are recognized by both the Lebanese government and the Association of International Colleges...
(HU) one of Beirut's most prestigious academic institutions. Founded in 1955, Haigazian is a liberal arts Armenian institution of higher learning, which uses English as the language of instruction.
Most schools are run by church organizations of the three Armenian Christian denominations (Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical). Others are run by cultural associations like Hamazkayin and Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU)
Some long-running Armenian secondary schools and colleges to mention:
- AGBU Tarouhy-Hovagimian Secondary School, Sin-el-Fil Official Website
- AGBU Levon G. Nazarian Elementary School, Sin-el-Fil Official Website
- AGBU Boghos K. Garmirian Elementary School, Naccash Official Website
- Armenian Evangelical CollegeYeprem and Martha Philibosian Armenian Evangelical CollegeThe Yeprem and Martha Philibosian Armenian Evangelical College was founded in 1923 in Beirut, Lebanon.There are three sections to the school, a kindergarten for children aged 4-6 years, a primary section for children between 6-12 years and a secondary level for those aged 12-18 years.Dr...
one of Beirut's most prestigious secondary schools. - Hamazkayin's Melankton & Haig Arslanian College (Mzher)Official Website
- Yeghishe Manoukian College (Dbayeh) Official Website
- Levon & Sophia Hagopian Armenian College, Bourj Hamoud Official Website
- Armenian Evangelical Central High SchoolArmenian Evangelical Central High SchoolThe Armenian Evangelical Central High School is one of the oldest and most-well established schools of the Armenian community in Lebanon. It was founded in 1922 in a refugee camp, on the initiative of the Rev Yenovk Hadidian. Ten years later, it moved to its present location on the eastern...
(Ashrafieh, Beirut) - Armenian Evangelical Shamlian Tatigian Secondary SchoolArmenian Evangelical Shamlian Tatigian Secondary SchoolThe Armenian Evangelical Shamlian Tatigian Secondary School is located in Bourj-Hammoud, a suburb to the north east of Beirut, Lebanon. It began in 1934 with kindergarten and primary classes only. Now it has 300 pupils and kindergarten, primary and secondary classes.The present principal is Rev...
Bourj Hamoud - Armenian Catholic Hripsimiants Secondary School (Fanar)
- Armenian Catholic K. Harboyan Secondary School - Sourp Khatch (Zalka)
- Armenian Catholic Mesrobian Technical College Official Website
- Souren Khanamirian National School (Fanar)
Media
Lebanese Armenians have developed an active interest in developing media outlets. Lebanese Armenians were keen in establishing dailies since the 1920s when they established in great numbers in Lebanon. "Pyunik" was the pioneer newspaper establishing (replaced by Aztag in 1927).Press
There are three Armenian daily newspapers published in Beirut all mouthpieces of the traditional Armenian political parties (Tashnag, Hunchag and Ramgavar).- Aztag, a daily newspaper that speaks on behalf of the Armenian Revolutionary FederationArmenian Revolutionary FederationThe Armenian Revolutionary Federation is an Armenian political party founded in Tiflis in 1890 by Christapor Mikaelian, Stepan Zorian, and Simon Zavarian...
- Tashnag and was established in 1927 - Ararad, a daily newspaper published by the Social Democrat Hunchakian PartySocial Democrat Hunchakian PartyThe Social Democrat Hunchakian Party , is the oldest of the Armenian political parties and was the first Socialist party in the Ottoman Empire and in Persia...
- Hunchag Party - Zartonk, daily newspaper is published by Armenian Democratic Liberal Party - Ramgavar and was established in 1937.
From the defunct Armenian political newspapers besides "Pyunik" in the 1920s, one should mention the independent non-partisan newspaper "Ayk" (after decades of publishing in Armenian, the licence owner Lucie Tosbat sold it to "Monday Morning" Publishing Group and "Ayk" started publishing as an English-language daily renamed "Ike" before folding.) "Ayk" daily's Lebanese-Armenian publishers Dikran and Lucie Tosbat also published the French language "Le Soir".
Special mention should also be made for the Armenian leftist daily newspaper "Joghovourti Tsayn" (meaning Voice of the People).
Lebanon has kept throughout a strong tradition in periodicals and weekly newspapers in the Armenian language, so obviously it is impossible to cover all. But from the notable long-running publications, special mention could be made for:
- "Hasg", official publication of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia (Armenian Apostolic)
- "AvedikAvedikAvedik is a Lebanese-Armenian publication published by the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate in Lebanon and the official organ of the Armenian Catholic Church worldwide....
", official publication of the Armenian Catholic ChurchArmenian Catholic Church|- |The Armenian Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic Church sui juris in union with the other Eastern Rite, Oriental Rite and Latin Rite Catholics who accept the Bishop of Rome as spiritual leader of the Church. It is regulated by Eastern canon law... - "Yeridasart Hayouhi" (literary periodical dedicated to women) which was later turned into an independent political biweekly called "Yeridasart Hay".
- "Nor Gyank" (New Life) the lifestyle newspaper/magazine
- "Gantch", the Armenian Communist weekly (part of Arabic language communist "An Nidaa")
- "Khosnag" the Armenian General Benevolent UnionArmenian General Benevolent UnionThe Armenian General Benevolent Union abbreviated as AGBU, is a non-profit Armenian organization. It was established in Cairo, Egypt in 1906...
(AGBU) official publication - "Pakin" literary cultural publication
- "Shirak" literary cultural publication
- "Nayiri" literary publication
- "Spurk" literary and cultural publication
- "MassisMassis (periodical)Massis is a Lebanese-Armenian publication published by the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate in Lebanon. It was established in 1947 by Cardinal Krikor Aghajanian in Beirut. Long-time serving editor of the publication was Father Antranik Granian...
" Armenian Catholic publication - "Badanegan Artsakank" Armenian Evangelical / Youth publication
- "Marzig" HomenetmenHomenetmenHomenetmen is a pan-Armenian diaspora organization devoted to sport and Scouting. The motto of Homenetmen is "Elevate Yourself and Elevate Others with You" .-Foundation:...
's sports monthly - "Tidag" social lifestyle magazine
- "Hasg Hayakidagan Hantes", an annual Armenological publication by the Holy See of Cilicia
- "Haigazian Armenological ReviewHaigazian Armenological ReviewThe Haigazian Armenological Review is an academic journal specializing in Armenian studies and published annually since 1970 by the Department of Armenian Studies at Haigazian University. It is a multilingual journal publishing articles in , and occasionally in other languages.-External links:**...
", an annual Armenological publication of Haigazian UniversityHaigazian UniversityHaigazian University was founded in 1955 in Beirut, Lebanon. It offers programs leading to Bachelor's degrees in the Arts and Sciences, as well as Master's degrees in the Arts. All degrees from Haigazian are recognized by both the Lebanese government and the Association of International Colleges...
Radio
The Lebanese state radio established very early on daily radio broadcasts in Armenian through its second channel consecrated to broadcasting in languages (mainly French and English). That programming goes on to date on Radio Liban.During the civil war, the Lebanese Armenians established a great number of unlicenced radio stations (some non-stop for 24 hours a day). The pioneer was the popular radio station "Radio Paradise" and later on "Vana Tsayn" (Voice of Van). However with the Lebanese Parliament enacting laws organizing the airwaves, all the unlicenced stations (alongside the other Lebanese stations) had to close.
They were replaced by two operating and fully licenced radio stations operating in Armenian in Lebanon in accordance with the new broadcast laws - "Voice of Van" and "Radio Sevan".
Television
Lebanese private stations and state-owned Tele-Liban have consecrated occasionally television programming in Armenian on certain occasions.During the Lebanese civil war, an Armenian television station "Paradise Television" co-operated with "Radio Paradise" was established through a broadcast tower in Bourj Hammoud. But "Paradise Television" Armenian television station had to close after it failed to get a broadcasting licence according to the new laws organizing the airwaves.
However very notably, Al Mustaqbal Television (also known as Future Television
Future Television
Future Television a television station broadcasting from Lebanon. It was founded in 1993 by Rafik Hariri, a former Prime Minister of Lebanon. Future TV is also available via satellite in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Politically, the channel supports the views of the Future...
) and OTV broadcast daily news and comments in Armenian in their regular programming.
Religion
Officially, there are 3 Armenian denominations recognized by the government. The Armenians have Armenian Orthodox, Armenian Catholic, or Armenian Evangelical mentioned in their identity cards, in the denomination field.However sometimes there are variations particularly in case of the Armenian Evangelicals, sometimes registered as just Evangelicals or Protestants without mention of Armenian. There are also some Armenian Catholics who are registered under the denomination Latin, sometimes Armenian Latin.
Apostolic (Orthodox) Armenians
Antelias
Antelias is a town in Lebanon. It is located around 5 km to the north of Beirut. Its inhabitants are mainly Christians and include Armenians , Maronites, Greek Catholics and Greek Orthodox ....
(a northern suburb of Beirut). It was relocated there in 1930 from Sis (historical Cilicia, now in Turkey) after the Armenian Genocide
Armenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide—also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Crime—refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I...
. Alongside the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin
Echmiadzin
Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin is a 4th century Armenian church in the town of Ejmiatsin, Armenia. It is also the central cathedral of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin of the Armenian Apostolic Church....
located in Republic of Armenia
Armenia
Armenia , officially the Republic of Armenia , is a landlocked mountainous country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia...
, it is one of the two sees of the Armenian Apostolic Church
Armenian Apostolic Church
The Armenian Apostolic Church is the world's oldest National Church, is part of Oriental Orthodoxy, and is one of the most ancient Christian communities. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301 AD, in establishing this church...
(the national church of Armenians).
The Catholicos, the leader of the Holy See of Cilicia, has his summer residence in Bikfaya
Bikfaya
Bikfaya is a town in the Matn District region of Mount Lebanon. Its stone houses with red-tiled roofs resting amidst pine and oak forests make Bikfaya one of the most sought-after suburbs of Beirut and one of Lebanon's most popular summer resorts.-Culture:...
in the Matn District
Matn District
Matn , sometimes spelled Metn, is a district in the Mount Lebanon Governorate of Lebanon, east of the Lebanon's capital Beirut...
also north of Beirut. The seminary of the Armenian Apostolic Church is also on site at Bikfaya.
The affairs of the Lebanese Armenian Orthodox population however are run by an independent body, the Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon
Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon
The Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon is an independent church body running the religious and social affairs of the sizable Lebanese Armenian Orthodox population in Lebanon. It is headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon with additional offices established in Bourj Hammoud, a suburb of Beirut.The seat of the...
(Aratchnortaran Hayots Lipanani) with its own Armenian Primate of Lebanon Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian as head.
The Armenian Apostolic churches in Lebanon include:
- The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Mother Cathedral (Sourp Krikor Lousavoritch Mayr Dajar ) which serves as the church for the Holy See of Cilicia (Catholicossate of the Great House of Cilicia - In Armenian "Gatoghigosaran Medzi Danen Guiligio" (Antelias, Lebanon). The big complex also contains a memorial chapel dedicated to the victims of the Armenian GenocideArmenian GenocideThe Armenian Genocide—also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Crime—refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I...
, an Armenian library, printing presses, Armenian museum and "Veharan", residence of the catholicos of Cilicia and premises for the clergy. - Holy Cross (Saint Neshan) Armenian Orthodox Church (Downtown Beirut) which serves as the church for the Armenian Apostolic Archbishopric of Lebanon and head office of the Armenian Primate of Lebanon.
- Saint Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church (Jetawi, Achrafieh, Beirut)
- Saint George (Sourp Kevork) Armenian Apostolic Church (Hadjin, Mar Mikhael, Beirut)
- Armenian Apostolic Church of the Assumption (Khalil Badaoui, Beirut)
- Armenian Apostolic Church of the Assumption (Jounieh, Kesrouan, Lebanon)
- Forty Martyrs (Karasoun Manoug) Armenian Apostolic Church (Marash, Bourj Hammoud)
- Holy Mother of God (Sourp Asdvadzadzin) Armenian Apostolic Church (Adana, Bourj Hammoud)
- Saint Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church (Tiro, Bourj Hammoud)
- Saint Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church (Sis, Bourj Hammoud)
- Saint Paul (Sourp Boghos) Armenian Apostolic Church (Anjar, Bekaa)
- Holy Pentecost Armenian Apostolic Church (Tripoli, North Lebanon)
- Holy Mother of God (Sourp Asdvadzadzin) Armenian Apostolic Church - a complex that also includes the Zarehian Tebrevank (both in Bickfaya, Metn) and the commemorative statue of the Armenian GenocideArmenian GenocideThe Armenian Genocide—also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Crime—refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I...
Catholic Armenians
Armenian Catholic Church
|- |The Armenian Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic Church sui juris in union with the other Eastern Rite, Oriental Rite and Latin Rite Catholics who accept the Bishop of Rome as spiritual leader of the Church. It is regulated by Eastern canon law...
, has its patriarchate in the Lebanese capital 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...
, and represents Armenian Catholics around the world. Armenian Catholic Church also has its summer residence and its convent in Bzoummar
Bzoummar
Bzoummar also Bzommar is a village in Lebanon. It is located 36 km northeast of Beirut at an elevation ranging between 920 and 950m above the Mediterranean. It is part of the Caza of Keserwan. Bzoummar is home to the 250 year-old Convent of the Armenian Catholic Church that was built in 1749...
, Lebanon, north of Beirut.
The Armenian Catholic churches include:
- St. Elie-St. Gregory the Illuminator (Sourp Yeghia - Sourp Krikor Lousavoritch Armenian Catholic Cathedral, (Debbas Square, Downtown Beirut)
- Armenian Catholic Church of the AnnunciationAnnunciationThe Annunciation, also referred to as the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary or Annunciation of the Lord, is the Christian celebration of the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Virgin Mary, that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus the Son of God. Gabriel told Mary to name her...
(Achrafieh, Jetawi, Beirut) - also serving as church for the Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Eparchy. - Armenian Catholic Church and the Convent of Bzoummar (Bzommar, Lebanon)
- St. Saviour (Sourp Pergitch) Armenian Catholic Church (Bourj Hammoud)
- Holy Cross (Sourp Khatch) Armenian Catholic Church (Zalka)
- Our Lady of Fatima Armenian Catholic Church (Hoch el Zaraani, Zahle, Beqaa)
- Our Lady of the Rosary Armenian Catholic Church (Ainjar, Beqaa)
Evangelical Armenians
Armenian Evangelical ChurchArmenian Evangelical Church
The Armenian Evangelical Church was established on July 1, 1846 by thirty-seven men and three women in Constantinople.-History:In the 19th century there was intellectual and spiritual awakening in Constantinople. This awakening and enlightenment pushed the reformists to study the Bible...
, headquartered in Ashrafieh. The affairs of the Lebanese Evangelical community is run by the Union of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East
Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East
The Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East is an autonomous body of churches comprising 25 congregations throughout Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Iran Iraq and Australia...
(UAECNE).
Majour Armenian Evangelical Churches:
- First Armenian Evangelical Church (Kantari, Beirut)
- Armenian Evangelical Church (Achrafieh, Beirut)
- Armenian Evangelical Church (Nor Marash, Bourj Hammoud)
- Armenian Evangelical Church (Amanos, Bourj Hammoud)
- Armenian Evangelical Brethren Church (Mar Mikhael, Beirut)
- Armenian Evangelical Church (Anjar, Bekaa)
The churches also have active youth branches called "Tchanits" and summer camps at "Ketchag", near Beirut.
There are also a number of "Brethren" churches of Evangelical orientation ("Yeghpayroutyoun" in Armenian
Armenian language
The Armenian language is an Indo-European language spoken by the Armenian people. It is the official language of the Republic of Armenia as well as in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The language is also widely spoken by Armenian communities in the Armenian diaspora...
)
Armenian Genocide Monument
Armenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide—also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Crime—refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I...
. Designed by Zaven Khedeshian and renovated by Hovsep Khacherian in 1993, the outdoor, freestanding sculpture rests on top of a hill that is located on the grounds of the summer retreat of the Catholicate of Cilicia.
The sculpture is a bronze abstract figure of a woman standing with hands open toward the sky. A plaque with Arabic and Armenian inscriptions reads:
This monument, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, was erected with the cooperation of the whole Armenian Community in Lebanon, to celebrate the rebirth of the Armenian nation and to express gratitude to our country, 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...
- April 24 1969.
The Armenian community of Lebanon visits the monument on April 24 every other year. The pilgrimages are alternated with the memorial chapel at the Armenian Catholicossate in Antelias
Antelias
Antelias is a town in Lebanon. It is located around 5 km to the north of Beirut. Its inhabitants are mainly Christians and include Armenians , Maronites, Greek Catholics and Greek Orthodox ....
.
Sports and Scouts Movements
- Homenetmen Beirut also known as HMEM -- full name Hay Marmnagertagan Enthanour Miyutioun (Armenian General Union of Physical Culture)
- Homenmen Beirut also known as HMM -- full name Hay Marzagan Miyutioun (Armenian Sports Union)
- Antranik Sports ClubAntranik SCAntranik SC is a Lebanese-Armenian multi-sports club most known for its professional basketball program. It is located in Antelias, Matn District, Lebanon...
(of the Armenian Youth Association (AYA) of the Armenian General Benevolent Union AGBU)
All of them have various branches distributed in many Lebanese cities throughout the country where there are Lebanese Armenian communities.
There are also many other smaller local Armenian sports clubs as well in various sports.
Soccer
The Armenian clubs Homenetmen and Homenmen have important football (soccer) teams in the official first and second division soccer leagues in Lebanon, although the membership of the teams is not restricted to ethnic Armenians and will usually include other Lebanese non-Armenian players as well as contracted foreign players, including professional players from the Republic of Armenia.Homenetmen Beirut has won the Lebanese Football Championship title 7 times in the years: 1944, 1946, 1948, 1951, 1955, 1963 and 1969 and Homenmen Beirut the Championship title 4 times in 1945, 1954, 1957 and 1961. Overall, both clubs feature in the top 5 of most titles in Lebanese football:
- Al Ansar - 13 titles
- Homenetmen Beirut - 7 titles
- Al Nejmeh Beirut - 6 titles
- Al Nahda - 5 titles
- Homenmen - 4 titles
Many Lebanese Armenians have played for the Lebanon national football team
Lebanon national football team
The Lebanon national football team represents the Republic of Lebanon in international association football. Their official nickname is The Cedars...
. From them, we can mention Mardek Chabarian
Mardek Chabarian
Mardek Chabarian is a retired Lebanese football player active during the 1950s. His position was a striker. He represented the Lebanon national football team. He was a deadly attacking force. He used to play for Homenmen Beirut...
, Wartan Ghazarian
Wartan Ghazarian
Vartan Ghazarian is a retired Lebanese-Armenian association football player. He represented the Lebanon national football team from 1997 until 2001. He is a striker....
.
Basketball
Armenian clubs Antranik and Homenetmen have prominent basketball teams playing in the official first and second division basketball league in Lebanon, although the membership of the teams is mixed and is not restricted to Armenians and will usually include other Lebanese non-Armenian players as well as contracted foreign players.Many Lebanese Armenians have represented Lebanon in the national team. From them we can mention Vicken Eskedjian and Yervant Avakian. Lebanese national teams have also had coaches and assistant coaches of Armenian origin like Sarkis Kurdjian, Georges Kelzi and Dikran Geokdjian.
In women, the Armenian basketball clubs (Homenetmen and Antranik) are traditionally considered as powerhouses in the sport, and both clubs have won the official Lebanese Basketball Championships women title on several occasions. The Armenian club Antranik's Women Basketball team went on to win the pan-Arab championship titles. Armenian women have had important presence in Lebanese national teams as well, including captain of the team Emma Eskedjian.
For many years, the Lebanese Armenian Hagop Khajirian (Khatcherian) served as president of West Asian Basketball Association (WABA), the governing body for basketball for the West Asia region that includes Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen as sanctioned by FIBA and FIBA Asia.
Other Sports
The abovementioned Lebanese Armenian clubs also have huge influence on many other sports in Lebanon, but most notably in cycling, table tennis (ping pong) and track and fields.Individual Armenians have also excelled, most notably in weightlifting, wrestling and martial arts competitions.
Women Sports
Lebanese Armenians also have great influence in women sports in Lebanon, most notably in basketball, cycling and table tennis. The Armenian basketball clubs of Homenetmen and Antranik have won the official Lebanese Basketball Championships on several occasions. The Armenian club Antranik's Women Basketball team went on to win the pan-Arab championship titles.Scouting
The Lebanese Armenians also have a strong ScoutingScouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society....
tradition in Lebanon, and many of the Lebanese Armenian sports clubs (AGBU, Homenetmen
Homenetmen
Homenetmen is a pan-Armenian diaspora organization devoted to sport and Scouting. The motto of Homenetmen is "Elevate Yourself and Elevate Others with You" .-Foundation:...
, Homenmen) also serve as Scouting organizations as well.
Notable Lebanese Armenians
Lebanese Armenians have played a major role in Lebanese politics. Lebanon even had its Armenian governors during the Ottoman rule of Lebanon, most notably Daoud Pasha, the Ottoman Armenian governor of Lebanon, as well as for a short period of time Ohannes Pasha Kouyoumdjian – Ottoman Armenian mutasarrif of Lebanon.Of the deceased politicians, notable mentions would include Khatchig Babikian
Khatchig Babikian
Khatchig Babikian was a philanthropist, attorney, a Lebanese politician of Armenian origin and a former member of the Lebanese Parliament - Biography :...
, deceased prominent Member of Lebanese Parliament and government Minister on several occasions.
The former President of Lebanon Émile Lahoud
Émile Lahoud
General Émile Jamil Lahoud is a former President of Lebanon. Lahoud is a Maronite-Catholic, as is required for the Lebanese presidency. Under Lebanon's unwritten constitutional agreement, the National Pact, the presidency is earmarked for Maronite_Catholic, the parliament speaker's post for a Shia...
had an Armenian mother and married an Armenian woman, thus making Renée Lahoud Lebanon's first-ever Lebanese-Armenian First Lady.
Harout Topajian , the 18 year old guy , who is a Midfielder in Real Madrid 1st team . He was born in Beirut on 21 July 1993 .
Haig Melikian, well known Lebanese-Armenian Elite cyclist for his unforgetable achievements in Lebanese history of cycling.
See also
- Armenian Revolutionary Federation in LebanonArmenian Revolutionary Federation in LebanonThe Armenian Revolutionary Federation is an Armenian political party very active in Lebanon since the 1920s as an official political party in the country after having started with small student cells in the late 1890s and early 1900s.The party is considered to have the biggest political support...
- Anjar, LebanonAnjar, LebanonAnjar , also known as Haoush Mousa , is a town of Lebanon located in the Bekaa Valley. The population is 2,400, consisting almost entirely of Armenians. The total area is about twenty square kilometers...
- Bourj HammoudBourj HammoudBourj Hammoud is a suburb in North-East Beirut, Lebanon in the Metn district. The suburb is heavily populated by Armenians as it is where most survivors of the Armenian Genocide settled...
- Holy See of Cilicia
- List of Lebanese Armenians
External links
- Religion
- Media
- Society