As the great Khalil Gibran once said, “You have your Lebanon and its dilemma, I have my Lebanon and its beauty.” In those rare moments when you turn on your TV and hear the news reporter utter the word “Lebanon”, chances are they’re not praising the country’s notorious diversity . More often than not, the only time Lebanon is mentioned in the media is when it is getting criticized for its lack of a functioning government or when some act of terror occurs within its own territory or some bordering country. I cringe to hear those who have never experienced its beauty, or seen anything beyond what CNN shows, characterize it as a terrorist breeding ground. While it is true that Lebanon has its fair share of problems, it also has many underrated qualities that you will never see on the news or in the media.
When most people think of the Middle East they think deserts, kaffiyeh and camels but you won’t find any of these in Lebanon. After the Second World War, Lebanon gained its independence from France and declared the city of Beirut its capital. Because of its cafe culture, chic fashion, and French influence, Beirut became known as “The Paris of the Middle East”. Although it has been destroyed multiple times by war after war-- 7 to be exact-- , the city has always been known as the heart of culture in the Arab world, and it is alive with the best literature, theater and painting that Lebanon has to offer. Not to mention the world-class nightlife and some of the best food and restaurants in the world.
Beirut, Lebanon, circa 1960
Lebanon’s name has been around for 4,000 years and is the oldest country name still in use. It appears 75 times in the Old Testament and is the place where Jesus performed his first miracle. In addition to its immense culture and history, Lebanon has some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. From its heaven-kissing mountains to its long sandy, beaches, its beauty will never fail to amaze you. The country is home to some of the most amazing sites you could ever see in your life. Whether it’s the ancient ruins of Baalbek or the infamous, thriving Cedar Forests, Lebanon’s beauty is something you will never be able to witness without seeing first-hand.
Forest of the Cedars of God in Lebanon
Baalbek Temple
Now, as much as I love the hustle and bustle of the city life and the magnificent views the country has to offer, it’s the little things that Lebanon offers that has captured my heart. I ache to be back home, waking up to the sound of the neighbor’s rooster piercing everyone’s homes and the smell of the village bakery filling the warm, morning air with the soothing aroma of manaeesh. I treasure the incessant honking of car horns, the warm embrace of the Mediterranean Sea, and the calls of the Kaak vendor pushing his cart down the street. It’s these little things unique to the Lebanese culture that I want to share with the rest of the world.
Manaeesh-- a popular Levantine food consisting of dough topped with thyme, cheese, or ground meat.
a Kaak Vendor on the Beirut Boardwalk
Lebanon is so much more than the terrorism and war the media shows you. It is a country filled with greatness and such immense history that will never be found outside its borders. So next time you turn on the news and the headline reads “Terrorist attack in Lebanon: kills 43”, don’t disregard the greatness of Lebanon. Rather, think of everything that this country holds and why the media will never be able to do it justice.
