Tibneen, Jabal Amel’s Landmark

Translated by Intissar Dakroub Harajili

It is hard to speak of the history of Tibneen/Jabal Amel without mentioning or coming across the history of the fort.  The Aramaic people were the ones that laid the fort’s foundation.  When Hazabeel Bin Binjodod arrived in Palestine on his way to control the trading routes from Egypt to the Arabic territories, he ordered the construction of the fort in the year 1850 B.C. and named it “Tibneen”, which means in the Aramaic language “The raised structure”.  It was also named “Toron” and “Tor”.

During the ruling of Sanhareeb the Assyrian in the year 680 B.C., the fort was attacked and demolished.  At the beginning of 582 B.C., the fort was surrendered by Nabou Khaznassar the Chaldean ruler as he moved his forces forward toward Tyre.  The fort was rebuilt during the Roman period and was neglected during the Byzantine period. The fort did not come alive until the Crusaders’ horse hoofs stepped on its grounds and woke it up from its deep sleep in the year 1099 A.D.

In another historic record, the European Historian, William Alsouri, who lived during the wars of the Romans, stated that the fort was built by Hough Dee St. Oomeer in the year 1105 A.D.  Due to its high location overlooking fields and valleys, Oomeer found it as a frontage to his attacks on Tyre and its Eastern territories.

In addition, the strategic location of the fort and its proximity to key civil and military sites, especially to Tyre, made the village an important point during that period.  Decisions made by important men and rulers of which some were called kings were made at the fort.

Tibneen’s fort to an outsider was a front from where attacks and routes of transportation were made at Tyre and other strategic locations.  However, when the Arabs took over, the fort was utilized as a location for protection and sanctuary.

Furthermore, Tibneen was during that period a gathering place for the traveling caravans from Damascus to the plains.  However, Tabarayya in Palestine was its competitor because of its shorter route although the route to Tibneen was longer but easier to travel.

Tibneen is located about 110 kilometers from Beirut heading south and 30 kilometers from Tyre heading east.  The number of those living in Tibneen is 15,000, but today and according to the cencus, there are 4000 people there and the rest are scattered among the capital Beirut and other countries, especially the United States and Africa.  However, most of those living outside Tibneen during the winter months spend their summer vacations there because of its moderate climate and its beautiful natural scenery.  As for the number of families in Tibneen, it is about 52 families.

The wells in Tibneen are considered the main resources, and they are visited by many living around the area from other villages.  The most important of these wells are:  Ein Al-Mizrab, Ein Al-Hoor, Ein Al-Wardeh and Ein Al-Khan.

What makes Tibneen more desirable are its well equipped health facilities which serve people living in its neighboring villages.  One very important facility that is being renovated is the main public hospital.  Other facilities include the Lebanese Red Cross and the United Nations clinics as well as the Ministry of Social Services.

Some of Tibneen's tourism and ancient attractions are, of course, the fort, the castle, the old historic homes and the pine forest (Al-mashroua Al-akhdar).  If we are to stand at the fort, we find that what gives it that special place is its height above sea level of 750 square meters.  As for the Hosn, a living space located on the southern side of the village, it overlooks the eastern southern side of the fort.  It is composed of four towers that are connected together.  It stood the test of times until 1965 and was a location for armies because of its many underground tunnels.  One could also find many older homes in Tibneen still well taken care of by its people because of its rich value and culture.  In addition, Tibneen boasts one of the best picnic areas.  Al-Mashroua Al-Akhdar is one of the most important of its kind in the south and people from all over the surrounding villages come to visit and spend time enjoying its beautiful surroundings, especially after the road was fixed and the addition of sport courts and picnic tables.

Finally, a visit to Tibneen might be insignificant if the visitor does not have the opportunity to visit its Souk Al-Jomaa!  One would think upon visiting it as if Tibneen was decorated to greet an important person of a high rank.  It is by far one of the best souks in the area and people from all over come to browse and shop since 1892.  It is indeed part of Tibneen’s rich history.  In addition, Tibneen has many amnesties such as trading companies, government centers and many restaurants and café’s.

This text translates one that originated from Tibneen’s municipality on January 1, 2003.