Global Arab Network | Lebanon - Zahle is the bride luring tourists

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Lebanon - Zahle is the bride luring tourists

Global Arab Network - - Maha Karim

Tuesday, 01 September 2009 21:16

Zahle, this beautiful city which is called the "Bride of Bekaa valley is a main attraction for the tourists of Lebanon with its cafes and restaurants installed along the sensational Berdouni river at Al-Arish valley.

Coffee shops and eating-place with their 100 years of history offer visitors premium catering and a lifetime experience of mouth-watering experience and are prepared to receive up until 10,000 visitors, Owner of one of the renowned coffee shops Michel-Jean Mhanna told KUNA.

Mhanna's cafe, which lies in the historic city of Zehle is prepared to receive 1,500 tourists, Mhanna said.

These small eateries developed into large and high quality enterprises, he said as they offer visitors sensational dishes such as the Lebanese Maza, raw Zahlewi kibbah, sweets, and Arabian coffee and the must-try ice cream of Zehe. Berdouni luncheonettes were introduced to the world back in 1984 as one of its restaurants catered a 2,500 people luncheon; the heavenly dishes were airlifted all the way from Lebanon to Geneva were the event was held.

Zehle, which is 950 meters above sea level, was named the "Neighbor of the Valley," that is also the name of a song by the deceased artist Abdulwahab and also was also granted the title of "Summer Bride" as it has been receiving tourists since 1882.

It is also known for its annual festival of "Karma and Zoor" is held every September, Roman temples and ruins, state-of-the-art architectural buildings, old markets of which documents the city's history through crafts, as well as modern markets.

Zehle is the capital of Beqaa Governorate, Lebanon. With around 130,000 inhabitants, which makes it the 3rd largest city in Lebanon. The population of the city is almost entirely Christian, and in particular Greek Catholic. Zahle is called the bride of the Bekaa Valley. It is famous for its clean air, its resorts and its food.

The city is situated 55 km to the East of the Lebanese capital Beirut. It is the only predominantly Greek Catholic city in the Middle East. Famous for its old churches, outdoor restaurants, unique food and a water powered ice factory in Wadi El Arayesh. It's possible to drive a car from Zahlé to Beirut in 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Zahle is on average 900 meters above sea level.

Zahlé was founded about 300 years ago in an area whose past reaches back some five millennia. In the early 18th century the new town was divided into three separate quarters, each of which had its own governor. The city enjoyed a brief period as the region's first independent state in the 19th century when it had its own flag and anthem. Nadim Hobeika the Great burnt Zahlé in 1777 and 1791, and it was burned and plundered in 1860. But during the rule of the Mutasarrifiah, Zahlé began to regain its prosperity. The railroad line, which came through in 1885, improved commerce and the town became the internal "port" of the Beqaa and Syria. It was also the center of agriculture and trade between Beirut and Damascus, Mosul, and Baghdad. Considered the birthplace of the Lebanese army, Zahlé has played a major role in the political life of the country

The Bardouni is a river that flows out of Mount Sannine and down through Zahlé. It is also a name synonymous with Lebanon's famous mezze and the delights of outdoor dining. The Berdaouni restaurant tradition began over a hundred years ago with a few simple riverside cafes. Today it is a virtual bazaar of tree-shaded eating places known as "casinos", every one more inviting than the next. Not surprisingly, competition is fierce, so each establishment outdoes itself with fountains, pools, and cooling shade to tempt potential customers. Here you can enjoy the traditional Lebanese mezze as it is served nowhere else. To add to the sense of timelessness, delicious mountain bread is baked before your eyes and a man in baggy trousers and fez is on hand to pour Lebanese coffee. He can also provide diners with a hubble-bubble (water pipe). On the cliffs above the Bardouni are the restaurants of Kaa el Reem, also known for their excellent food and atmosphere.

The river Berdaouni which crosses the city is shallow, especially during summer.

Global Arab Network

Ali Al-Naser, BEIRUT, (KUNA, wikipedia)

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