Qahmez (Arabic: قهمز, also spelled Qehmez, Kahmez or Amez) is a village with no municipality located in the Jurd area of the district of Byblos of the Keserwan-Jbeil Governorate in central Lebanon. It is located 50 kilometers northeast of Beirut.[1] Its elevation ranges between 700 and 1800 meters above sea level[2] and its total land area consists of 1,253 hectares.[3]
Qahmez
قهمز | |
|---|---|
Village | |
.jpg) Our Lady Of The Rosary Church | |
  Qahmez Location in Lebanon | |
| Coordinates: 34°3′56″N 35°48′11″E / 34.06556°N 35.80306°E | |
| Country |  Lebanon |
| Governorate | Keserwan-Jbeil |
| District | Byblos |
| Government | |
| • Mokhtar | Joseph Trad |
| Area | |
• Total | 12.53 km2 (4.84 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 1,800 m (5,900 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 700 m (2,300 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Dialing code | +961 |
The village is home for the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve.[4] The reserve maintains an entrance at Baydar-al-shawk, Qahmez.[5]
Etymology
editThe name "Qahmez" most likely descends from "Kamaz - قمز", which in Lebanese dialect refers to jumping, that is because traversing the challenging terrain of Qahmez demands a certain level of agility, as navigating through its rugged landscape often necessitates skillful "leaps". The region's distinct topography, characterized by its rough and uneven terrain, presents a unique challenge for those journeying across it.[6]
Demographics
editIts population included 832 registered voters in 2014.[7] Nevertheless, Qahmez lacks a municipality, and it is headed only by a Mukhtar. Its current Mukhtar is "Joseph Trad". The entirety of its community is Maronite Christians.
Economy
editQehmez is known for its agricultural output, primarily centered around the cultivation of tomatoes and apples (as well as grapes, cherries, and other fruits and vegetables).[8]
Environmental importance
editNotably, Qahmez holds a significant position within the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve and has been officially designated, being part of the reserve, as a globally recognized Important Bird Area. [9] This recognition aims to preserve and protect the diverse migratory bird populations that frequent the region during their journeys.
Farik Al Wardiya
edit
Qahmez is predominantly Christian Maronite. Under these circumstances, 'Farik al wardiya al rasouli' (Arabic: فريق الوردية الرسولي; 'Rosary missionary group'), a Maronite missionary group which mission consists of helping children in need across Lebanon, as well as spreading the Christian mindset and worldview across local neighboring villages, was founded by Najat Khoueiry in Qahmez.
Sites to visit
edit- Our Lady of The Rosary Church - Qahmez
- Nab' al Hadid (a water spring in the furthest mountains of Qahmez)[10]
- Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve[4]
- Old ruins dating back to the Roman times (al-Tahoon, the abandoned monastery of Saint Doumit, etc.)
References
edit- ^ "معلومات عن بلدة قهمز". lub-anan.com.
- ^ "Qehmez". www.hiddenmediterranean.net. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ^ "Qahmez | Drupal". www.libandata.org. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ^ a b "Jabal Moussa is surrounded by 7 main villages". www.jabalmoussa.org. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ^ "How to get there - Location of Jabal Moussa". www.jabalmoussa.org. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ^ "Jabal Moussa is surrounded by 7 main villages". www.jabalmoussa.org. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
- ^ "جداول إحصائية عن الناخبين في بلدة قهمز، قضاء جبيل محافظة جبل لبنان في لبنان، حسب لوائح الناخبين الرسمية الصادرة عن وزارة الداخلية لسنة ٢٠١٤". إعْرَفْ لبنان. Retrieved 2023-06-26.
- ^ "أضرار كبيرة في منطقة قهمز والحواط والدكاش يناشدان!". www.alnadim.com (in Arabic). Retrieved 2023-06-27.
- ^ "Jabal moussa designation, Important Bird Area".
- ^ "نبع الحديد, Mont-Liban, Lebanon". lb.geoview.info. Retrieved 2023-06-27.