Zahle: The Jewel of the Beqaa Valley

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  ['udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu an ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!صحتين!
  [sahatayn]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [uridu an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [annajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisal bialsurata!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [iatisal bitalib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatl'a]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam si'rh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafd alsiear?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alsaa'ah al'ashirah walnusf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [aldhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين ...؟
  [ayn ...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'ainwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tareeni (ala alkhareeta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata ya'ti alhafilat alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tazkirat (ila...)]

Zahle, also known as the 'Bride of the Beqaa,' was founded in the early 18th century. It quickly became a bustling market town due to its strategic location along trade routes between the Lebanese coast and the Syrian hinterland. The city was established by Christian families fleeing the coastal regions, seeking refuge from Ottoman rule and pirate attacks.

In the 19th century, Zahle experienced significant economic growth, especially during the time of the silk trade boom. The city became a key player in the production and export of silk, which was highly coveted in Europe. This period of prosperity also led to the construction of many of Zahle's notable buildings and the establishment of various educational institutions.

In 1825, Zahle suffered a devastating fire that destroyed much of the city. Despite this catastrophe, the resilience of the inhabitants led to rapid reconstruction. The city was rebuilt with better infrastructure, including new homes, public buildings, and churches. This reconstruction period also saw the introduction of more modern urban planning concepts.

During the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), Zahle played a significant role due to its strategic location in the Beqaa Valley. The city witnessed several battles and sieges, particularly between Christian militias and Syrian forces. Zahle's resistance became a symbol of defiance and resilience, earning the city a storied place in Lebanese history.

Zahle is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals. The city is famous for its annual wine festival, celebrating its long-standing tradition of viticulture. The Feast of the Holy Savior, held every August, is another major event that attracts visitors from all over Lebanon and beyond. Zahle's culture is also deeply rooted in its culinary traditions, particularly its mezze and arak production.

Today, Zahle is a modern city that still retains its historical charm. It is a hub for tourism, agriculture, and industry in the Beqaa Valley. Visitors are drawn to its picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cultural scene. Despite the challenges it has faced, Zahle continues to be a beacon of Lebanese heritage and resilience.

Zahle, located in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon, can be accessed via multiple routes. The nearest international airport is Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, approximately 55 kilometers away. From Beirut, you can take a taxi or a private car to Zahle, which typically takes around 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can use intercity buses that operate between Beirut and Zahle, offering a cost-effective means of transportation.

Within Zahle, taxis and private cars are the most convenient modes of transportation. Local taxi services are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Public buses and minibuses also operate within the city and connect to surrounding areas. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, renting a car is a viable option.

The official currency in Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), although US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. Credit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available throughout Zahle, and currency exchange services can be found in the city.

Zahle is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance and 140 for medical emergencies. Zahle has local police stations and medical facilities available to assist tourists. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health issues, offering over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering religious places. 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 and a warm smile. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Zahle 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 city’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the famous Bardouni River restaurants, known for their mezze and scenic views. For a unique experience, take a walk through the vineyards and enjoy wine tasting at local wineries.