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The Meaning Behind The Names Of These 8 Lebanese Cities
Ever wondered how Lebanese cities came to have their names? Gone through a mix of languages and civilizations, these 8 major Lebanese cities show the richness and history of local land.
1. Beirut
The current capital was a historic part of Phoenicia and is said to be named after the Phoenician word for “wells.” It’s name is also linked to the ancient Phoenician deity “Beyrutus.”
2. Saida
Lebanon’s second city is said to be either named after the semitic word for fishing, or the child of a Canaan king.
3. Baabda
The name originates from the Aramiac word for house of worship.
4. Sour
The historic name of Sour comes from the semitic word Tur, meaning rocky.
5. Nabatieh
Named after the ancient tribe of Al Nabatiyeen or Al Nabat, who migrated from the Arabian peninsula to the area a few thousand years ago.
6. Zahle
The most obvious origin for the city’s name comes from the planet Zuhal. Other theories argue that the soil of the city was different to its surroundings, potentially more slippery and linked to the Arabic word for sliding.
7. Jbeil
A combination of the Canaanite words for house and the god Ail, potentially meaning house of god.
8. Tripoli
A localization of the Greek word for three cities. Named after the union of the 3 cities of Saida, Sour, and Arwad and the 3 neighborhoods that initially formed it.
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1. Beirut
The current capital was a historic part of Phoenicia and is said to be named after the Phoenician word for “wells.” It’s name is also linked to the ancient Phoenician deity “Beyrutus.”
2. Saida
Lebanon’s second city is said to be either named after the semitic word for fishing, or the child of a Canaan king.
3. Baabda
The name originates from the Aramiac word for house of worship.
4. Sour
The historic name of Sour comes from the semitic word Tur, meaning rocky.
5. Nabatieh
Named after the ancient tribe of Al Nabatiyeen or Al Nabat, who migrated from the Arabian peninsula to the area a few thousand years ago.
6. Zahle
The most obvious origin for the city’s name comes from the planet Zuhal. Other theories argue that the soil of the city was different to its surroundings, potentially more slippery and linked to the Arabic word for sliding.
7. Jbeil
A combination of the Canaanite words for house and the god Ail, potentially meaning house of god.
8. Tripoli
A localization of the Greek word for three cities. Named after the union of the 3 cities of Saida, Sour, and Arwad and the 3 neighborhoods that initially formed it.
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The current capital was a historic part of Phoenicia and is said to be named after the Phoenician word for “wells.” It’s name is also linked to the ancient Phoenician deity “Beyrutus.”
2. Saida
Lebanon’s second city is said to be either named after the semitic word for fishing, or the child of a Canaan king.
3. Baabda
The name originates from the Aramiac word for house of worship.
4. Sour
The historic name of Sour comes from the semitic word Tur, meaning rocky.
5. Nabatieh
Named after the ancient tribe of Al Nabatiyeen or Al Nabat, who migrated from the Arabian peninsula to the area a few thousand years ago.
6. Zahle
The most obvious origin for the city’s name comes from the planet Zuhal. Other theories argue that the soil of the city was different to its surroundings, potentially more slippery and linked to the Arabic word for sliding.
7. Jbeil
A combination of the Canaanite words for house and the god Ail, potentially meaning house of god.
8. Tripoli
A localization of the Greek word for three cities. Named after the union of the 3 cities of Saida, Sour, and Arwad and the 3 neighborhoods that initially formed it.
