Country Lebanon: history and modernity

The Middle East is an interesting, original part of the planet. The oldest cities, a unique culture - all this is the Middle East. The country Lebanon (Lebanon) is one of the most stunning states of the Middle East. Historical and cultural monuments are concentrated here, ancient world and modernity coexist, here is the cradle of many world confessions.

Geographical position

Lebanon in the West is known as Lebanon. The country is on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea in a mountainous area. The northern and eastern borders of the country concern the borders of Syria, the southern borders of 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, Saida.

The climate in that part of the Middle East, where Lebanon is located, is subtropical Mediterranean. On the highest peaks all year round there is snow. This attracts tourists who are keen on alpine sports.

History of Lebanon

On the territory of South-West Asia, civilization has been developing for many thousands of years. 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 includes four Lebanese cities: Byblos, Beirut, Tire, Sidon. Such facts allow us to conclude that the country of Lebanon has a unique history and keeps a unique culture.

Byblos

Archaeologists date the emergence of settlements on the site of the modern Lebanese city of Jubail 7th century BC. Byblos is the most ancient inhabited city in the world. The name was given to him by the ancient Greeks, who carried papyrus (beblos) from him. Since ancient times the city is considered a transit point on the way from Africa to Europe. Having a strategically important geographical position, 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 early 3rd century AD is preserved, which is located in a picturesque place on the steep seashore. Near the theater were found the ancient tombs of Phoenician kings. The inscription on the sarcophagus of Hiram, the king who ruled in the 12th century BC, was executed by the ancient Phoenician alphabet. There are places in Byblos mentioned in ancient literature and the Bible. So, in the Tsar's well, according to legend, the tears of Queen Isis were gathering, mourning her husband Osiris. In the 12-13th centuries, during the time of the Crusaders, the construction of the Church of St. John went on, which preserved its architecture until the present time.

Sidon

The country of Lebanon harbors the heart of the Phoenician civilization - the city of Saidu, formerly known as Sidon. In the Bible, the inhabitants of Phenicia are called Sidonians. The city with an ancient and rich history for many centuries fought with the city of Tire (modern name Sur) for the championship in Phenicia. Sidon is famous for its purple and unique glassware. On the territory of the city are preserved monuments of the times of the prosperity of Phenicia, the rule of the Greeks, the Crusaders and Turks.

Culture of Lebanon

The millennial history of the Lebanese land could not but affect the modern cultural image of the country. As in the country of the Middle East, the prevailing population is Islam. In Lebanon, the percentage of the Christian population of different denominations is large. Being a multi-ethnic country, Lebanon is known for its distinctive centuries-old cultural traditions. Every year, tourists are attracted 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 tempos. The Phoenician art of carving wood and creating mother-of-pearl is still there. The country of Lebanon is famous for its national cuisine, combining Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.

Center of attraction

Lebanon welcomes tourists from all over the world. Here everyone can find for themselves many interesting things. Fans of history, archeology and architecture can visit the museums of Beirut, Tire, Byblos, Tripoli and the historical sites of these cities. Those who wish to relax and relax will like the numerous beaches on the Mediterranean coast. The coastline is divided into sandy and basalt with a sharp cliff in the sea. For tourists who prefer active recreation, Lebanon can offer diving in the Mediterranean. The dive sites of Lebanon, where you can see the buildings of the Roman Empire, work all year round. Cedar, Faraya, Lakluk are the main ski resorts of the country of Lebanon. Which country does not meet guests with national cuisine? Lebanese cuisine has dishes for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Pilgrim excursions are also organized in Lebanon. The most visited is the nunnery of the Mother of God (Deir Sadeet el Nuria), which is associated with many miraculous deliverances and healings. Tourists who highly appreciate the beauty of nature will be surprised by the karst caves of Jaita, the cedar grove in Bishara.