Deir el Qamar: The Heartbeat of Lebanon's History

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaan]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlak]
• Thank youشكرا لك
  [shukran lak]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [azraan]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bukhayr. wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al-ingliziyya?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid an ara al-qaaima, min fadlak]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul al-lahm]
• Cheers!صحتين!
  [sahhtayn!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfaa, min fadlak]

• Help!النجدة!
  [al-najda!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [insraf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itassal bitabib!]
• I'm lostأنا ضائع
  [ana daa'ee]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarrag]
• How much is it?بكم هذا؟
  [bi kam hadha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khaff al-sa'ar?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam al-saa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [al-saa'a al-wahida]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [al-saa'a al-ashira w al-nisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [al-sabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [al-thuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [al-masaa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahed]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnaan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalaatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arbaa]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sabaa]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaaniya]
• 9تسعة
  [tisa'a]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [ayn ...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-unaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tarini (ala al-kharita)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata al-haafila al-taalia?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkira (ila ...)]

Deir el Qamar, meaning 'Monastery of the Moon', has roots that trace back to the Roman period. It was during this time that the village began to develop around a Christian monastery. The town's strategic location in the Chouf Mountains made it a natural hub for trade and culture, blending various influences over the centuries.

During the Ottoman era, Deir el Qamar flourished as the seat of the Emirate of Mount Lebanon. Under the leadership of Emir Fakhreddine II in the 17th century, the town saw a golden age of prosperity and architectural development. Fakhreddine II built palaces, administrative buildings, and fostered a climate of religious tolerance, making Deir el Qamar a cosmopolitan hub.

Deir el Qamar has historically been a symbol of religious coexistence, particularly between the Maronite Christians and the Druze community. The town's famous Church of Saydet El Talle and its numerous Druze maqams (shrines) stand as testaments to this peaceful cohabitation. This unique blend of cultures is reflected in the town's architecture and community life.

The Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) brought significant turmoil to Deir el Qamar. The town was heavily impacted during the conflict, leading to a period of decline and depopulation. Many of its historic buildings suffered damage, and the once-thriving cultural life was disrupted.

In recent years, Deir el Qamar has seen a resurgence. Restoration projects have revitalized its historic buildings, and it has become a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore Lebanon's rich heritage. The town now hosts cultural festivals, markets, and events that celebrate its unique history and traditions, drawing visitors from around the world.

Deir el Qamar is located in the Chouf District of Lebanon. The nearest international airport is Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, approximately 40 kilometers away. From Beirut, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private car service directly to Deir el Qamar. The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by road. Public buses also operate from Beirut to Deir el Qamar, offering a more economical option.

Deir el Qamar is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. Taxis are readily available for longer trips and are relatively inexpensive compared to Western standards. Public buses and minibuses connect Deir el Qamar to nearby towns and villages. Renting a car can also be a convenient option if you plan to explore the surrounding Chouf region at your own pace.

The official currency in Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), also known as the Lira. US dollars are widely accepted, and many prices are listed in both currencies. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Deir el Qamar, but ensure you have enough cash for your needs, especially if venturing into more rural areas.

Deir el Qamar is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Deir el Qamar itself does not have high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or 140 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Deir el Qamar. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight nod. A warm smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Deir el Qamar like a local, visit the local souks where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Lebanese goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Fakhreddine Mosque, the 15th-century palace of Emir Fakhreddine, and the Notre-Dame de la Montagne Church. For a unique experience, attend local festivals and events that showcase traditional music, dance, and cuisine.