Look, I agree that they need to change this law... 100%. But you have to remember that the Lebanese are the most exclusive people in the middle east. They will not change this law. They take pride in having an ALMOST 100% Lebanese population. Allowing others to become Lebanese opens the door for Palestinians, Iraqis, Syrians and so on... that a no no to the Lebanese.

Ouch indeed!

Personally... I think the Middle East and parts of Europe may be more familiar with it. But in North America it's all but known. You would be surprised how many people don't even know where Lebanon is on the map, or think we are joking when we mention it. If they aren't familiar with the country (I know... shocking), I don't blame them for thinking Baalbek was the "Temple of Zeus" in Athens... although I think Baalbek's temple is far better preserved!

LOL dude, the funny thing is I the same old guys that sit there are the first things that come to mind for me in Anjar. But I love Anjar for one thing besides the ruins. Closer to the mountain ranges there is a spring that gushes down and forms one of the cleanest and purest of springs. We used to go swimming there (the Anjar residents weren't fans of that)... but it's awesome. :)

I'm a Messaya lover myself, even though Ksara is my "hometown winery". But definitely check it out, it's worth it! :)

Great post! I loved it, it's so informational and so well written. I enjoyed it immensely. I once did a huge poster about Baalbek in grade 12 for a history class. The project was to pick and choose a historic site and write about it. Naturally, I was torn between Baalbek and Faqra (as they are the ones that interested me the most). I put the picture of the temple on the poster and set it up. I left it for marking, and the next day went to check out my mark... my teacher wrote on it the following sentence: "Isn't this in Athens?". I don't blame her for not knowing, because soon after I discovered... VERY FEW people knew what Ballbek was. Again, I blame this on the Lebanese government which chooses to advertise Gemmayze over our historic sites.... ugh.

Once again a GREAT post! I loved it. You should make a trip down to my hometown of Zahle... check out the Cheateau Ksara which is located there. It's marvelous. Plus... it's an 8 minute drive from Anjar, the Armenian town with Islamic Ummayad ruins! It's a change from the Roman temples... pretty cool ruins!