Al-Bireh, Rashaya
Al-Bireh
بيرة Biré, El Bire, El Bireh, Birra | |
|---|---|
Village | |
 Al-Bireh town center | |
  Al-Bireh Location in Lebanon | |
| Coordinates: 33°35′02″N 35°49′09″E / 33.58389°N 35.81917°E | |
| Country |  Lebanon |
| Governorate | Beqaa Governorate |
| District | Rashaya District |
| Population | |
| • Total | 9,000+ |
 Shown within Lebanon | |
| Alternative name | El Bire, El Bireh, Biré, Birra |
|---|---|
| Location | Beqaa Valley, Lebanon |
| Part of | Settlement |
| History | |
| Periods | Heavy Neolithic, Neolithic |
| Site notes | |
| Archaeologists | Auguste Bergy |
| Condition | ruins |
| Public access | Yes |
Al-Bireh, El Bire, Biré, El Bireh (Arabic: البيرة) or Birra (at the time of the Crusades) is a town in the
Geography
The oldest part of the town lies on top of
Economy
More than 60% of the town’s population have emigrated to Brazil, Argentina, United States, Canada, France, Spain, Italy and Portugal. Residents of the town have left to the US as early as the 18th Century and have aggregated in cities like Dearborn, Michigan. Many others emigrated to São Paulo, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Montreal, Quebec and Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The economy of the town relies on agriculture which thrived on the water springs commonly found in Al-Bireh. The town is known for growing
Eight main families inhabit the town, namely the Elkadri, Jeha (جحا), Jumaa, Abou Hussein, Zeineddine, Abdallah, Salem and Omar families. Other families also live in the village, however increased emigration has completely dispersed some families and no members are currently residents.
Notable residents
Al-Bireh is the birthplace of multiple intellectuals, politicians and religious figures. The late Nazem Elkadri (MP, minister and prime minister of Lebanon) was born in Al-Bireh. The Mufti of Bekaa, Sheikh Raouf Elkadri was also born in Al-Bireh. Nassouh Elkadri (an anti-French occupation revolutionary leader) was also from Al-Bireh.
History
The mountain chain upon which Al-Bireh is located is rich with history. Caves dating back to
In 1838,
The town was occupied first by PLO forces in the late 1970s, then by Israeli forces in the early 1980s. Before Israel's invasion, the town suffered from Israeli warplane attacks. In one incident, several houses were bombed, killing and injuring scores of civilians [citation needed]. Israel did not provide explanation as to why these were bombed.
Archaeology
A
Media
Al-Bireh was the site where the French/Lebanese movie
In January 2009 a street in town was named after president
In the Lebanese Parliamentary elections of June 2009,
Gallery
-
Many homes were abandoned due to emigration -
TheElkadrifamily ruins -
MountHermon or Alsheikhas seen from Al-Bireh -
Agriculture thrives in the water rich mountains -
Ancient caves known as Ain Almizrab Caves
References
- ^ Robinson and Smith, 1841, vol 3, 2nd appendix, p. 141
- ^ L. Copeland; P. Wescombe (1966). Inventory of Stone-Age Sites in Lebanon: North, South and East-Central Lebanon, p. 26. Impr. Catholique. Retrieved 29 August 2011.
- ^ "Terra Mexico". Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
Bibliography
External links
Capital: Rashaya | ||
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