The majestic Crusaders’ Beaufort Castle in Kfar Tibnit, when approaching Jdeidet Marjeyoun
There has always been something magical about Jdeidet Marjeyoun, at least for us children, when driving with our parents to their hometown. Its geographical location at the borders has made it less attractive at times, especially for non- Marjeyounees and tourists alike. But not for us! Born and raised in Beirut, we loved spending our summer holidays in this idyllic town tucked in the southeast corner of Lebanon.
The name says it all: marj (plain) and ‘youn (springs); Marjeyoun area is a serene place blessed with open expanses, rolling hills, fertile plains, abundant water and green pastures. First time visitors are not only stunned by the untouched and picturesque landscape in the area, but also struck by the architectural beauty of the old and new houses in jdeidet Marjeyoun and the neighbouring villages.
I had the privilege to stay in Marjeyoun for longer periods while I was working on my cookbook in 2014 and 2015. Although I knew Marjeyoun since my early childhood, I was stunned myself by its natural beauty, and was again thankful to my parents for implanting in us this deep love for this small paradise we proudly call home. Mount Hermon is only one example for this gorgeousness! Changing colours in different seasons and at different times of the day, Mount Hermon became my favourite motif, as you will notice in the photos below.
Join me on this small trip from the Litani River up to Marjeyoun, and enjoy some breathtaking scenery!
Litani River before driving uphill to Marjeyoun and passing by Beaufort Castle
Road along the river in spring in March 2015
Road along the river
Poppies in Spring in February 2015
Still on the way, along the river, and spotting Jdeidet Majeyoun on the hill, facing the majestic Mount Hermon, covered with snow in February 2015
The verdant plains in Jdeidet Marjeyoun, February 2015
A closer view of Mount Hermon from the plains
One of my favourite shots
Mount Hermon framed by 2 roofs in February 2015
Mount Hermon from the ruins of Saint Hanneh Monastery in the plains of Marjeyoun
In Hasbaya
Photo from the Monastery in Deir Mimas
A closer view to the Beaufort Castle from the Monastery in Deir Mimas
A few houses from Marjeyoun
A small selection of old houses I photographed while working on my cookbook. Many ancestral homes are being restored and many new houses are being built, attracting people again after a long period of isolation in the 80s and 90s. All houses have their balconies and terraces facing Mount Hermon.
In the Souk
My favourite motif, Mount Hermon
At dawn in February 2015
Almost same view as the photo below, but in February 2015
Colours in summer late afternoon
The steep hills of Jdeidet Marjeyoun with a bluish Mount Hermon in the background
Colours in summer at noon, here Mount Hermon on the way to Rashaya al wadi
So very, very beautiful, Dina. These lovely photos should be included in the next printing of your cookbook !
Glad you liked them Barbara! I have so many photos…Wish I could publish all
One Word :UNIQUE
INDEED! Thank you!
Thank you for the your of my heritage.
You’re most welcome, dear Susan!
Thank you. I visited Marjyoum for the fist time in 2013 in order to see The House of Stone written about by now deceased Anthony Shadid. We were fortunate to meet Cecil Hourani at internet cafe who volunteered to take us to restored ancestral home. Since then I have met immigrants from his town, learned its history, followed events, your cookbook, and about itsvdistinguished sons and daughters. Pam Elahmadiyyah
What a wonderful story despite the circumstances. Very sad that Anthony Shadid passed away so soon…His book is a treasure. And Marjeyoun without Cecil Hourani, unthinkable!
Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures. I love seeing where my grandparents were from. ?✝️
My pleasure! I hope some day you will be able to visit. You will love it!
Beautiful! I left my heart there! I want and need so desperately to go back ‘home’!
Thank you so much for the pictures!!!
You’re welcome! You need to come back, because I want to meet you 🙂
I must admit I had never heard ofJdeidet Marjeyoun until I married in 1963 and spent time with my new Father-in-law. His ❣ was always still there as he spoke so lovingly of his roots. Thank you, Dina, for this beautiful picturesque journey bringing us to Marjeyoun. I’m going to show and send it to my grandchildren .
You’re welcome! I hope you will visit some day with your grandchildren. You will love it even more <3. I would also love to connect with them 🙂
lived in jdeyde for 9 years , loved everything about it ❤❤
Jdeidet Marjeyoun is indeed a beautiful place! Glad you loved staying there <3
Lovely photos, Dina! I can’t wait to see these beautiful sights in person.
And I can’t wait to meet you! Hopefully soon!