“Aabey’s Return to Its History”: Preserving Heritage Through the Hima Approach

A historic opportunity has emerged to preserve the heritage of Aabey by declaring it a cultural, environmental, and historical Hima, joining a network of 33 Hima sites across Lebanon. These sites, established through collaboration with local councils and spearheaded by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), aim to protect natural and cultural heritage while fostering sustainable development.

Aabey: A Treasure Trove of Mamluk Architecture in Mount Lebanon

Located in the Aley District, Aabey holds some of the oldest and most significant Islamic architectural and decorative elements in central and southern Mount Lebanon, as well as Beirut, dating back to the Mamluk era. This rich architectural legacy flourished under the Tannoukhi Emirs of the Buhturite family, who made Aabey the capital of their emirate.

The town’s cultural significance was further reinforced in later centuries when:

The Capuchin Fathers established a monastery and an orphanage in Aabey in the 17th century.
The American missionaries founded the American High School and the School of Theology in the 19th century, adding to the town’s educational and intellectual legacy.

A City of Ancient Ruins and Architectural Landmarks

Aabey’s historic heart is filled with ruined or deteriorating structures that still hold immense heritage value. Among them are:

Palaces, mosques, hammams (public baths), khans, and water fountains, many of which date back centuries but now suffer from severe structural damage.
The Old Aabey Souk, an abandoned marketplace that could be revitalized into a cultural and economic hub.

A Vision for the Future: Restoration and Revitalization

Several academic projects have been conducted by students from the Lebanese University’s Institute of Fine Arts, in collaboration with the Aabey Heritage Revival Association. These studies propose transforming Aabey’s old souk into a vibrant cultural and commercial center. Some of the suggested projects include:

A historical museum and shopping center showcasing local craftsmanship.
A silk thread production factory, reviving Lebanon’s silk heritage.
A distillery for traditional Lebanese beverages, including arak and wine.
An eco-tourism hub, featuring hiking trails, horseback riding routes, camping areas, guesthouses, and traditional restaurants.

These proposals integrate the souk with a broader eco-tourism plan, creating opportunities for sustainable tourism and community development.

Key Heritage Sites in Need of Restoration

Among the most urgent sites requiring restoration in Aabey are:

1. Al-Qusour Al-Musharifa (“The Overlooking Palaces”)

A historic site dating back to the 8th century, featuring remnants of vaults, arches, and upper chambers.
Once known as “Harat Aabey Al-Tannoukhiyyah,” it includes:

• Prince Jamal Al-Din Haji’s Hall, whose entrance bears the oldest recorded Tanukh family emblem from the late 13th century.
• A Mamluk-style insignia (“Runk”) depicting a chained lion, alongside intricate calligraphic inscriptions and geometric floral motifs.
• The residence of Prince Saad Al-Din Khidr and his son, Prince Nasser Al-Din Hussein, later inherited by Prince Jamal Al-Din Abdullah “Al-Sayyid”.
• A religious hall built by Prince Nasser Al-Din Hussein, later converted into the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus in the 14th century.
• A traditional hammam built in 1325, along with a water channel dating back to 1317, constructed by Prince Hussein.

2. The Mosque and Shrine of Prince Al-Sayyid

Following his death in 1480 CE (884 AH), Prince Al-Sayyid was buried in the mosque, which has since become a major religious site for Druze visitors from Lebanon and Syria.
Part of the property is held by Druze religious endowments, while most of the site remains privately owned.
In June 2010, former Minister of Culture Selim Warde officially listed the site as a protected historical monument. 

3. “Iwan Aabey” (Aabey Courtyard)

A 15th-century Tanukh palace, later expanded by Emir Qadaan Shehab. Known in the Directorate of Antiquities as “Emir Qadaan’s Palace”, it is now privately owned and in dire need of restoration.

4. The Capuchin Fathers’ Heritage Complex

Owned by the Capuchin Fathers, this heritage building was preserved due to its use as a rehabilitation center for landmine victims and persons with disabilities.
The complex includes a historic saray (government building) with a plaque indicating its construction during the reign of Emir Munther bin Alem Al-Din Suleiman, Beirut’s governor under Emir Fakhr Al-Din.
However, historical records suggest that the saray predates Emir Munther, originally built by his grandfather, Emir Saif Al-Din, in the early 17th century.

Aabey: The Forgotten Capital of Beirut

Historians widely agree that Aabey served as the capital of the Tanukhid Emirate of the West. One of its most influential rulers, Prince Nasser Al-Din Hussein (1269-1351 CE), played a crucial role in retaining control of the emirate under Mamluk rule.

He successfully negotiated with the Sultanate of Damascus to exempt the region from the “Ruk” land redistribution system, ensuring that it remained a hereditary emirate.
He defended Beirut’s security, controlling the coastline from Nahr El-Kalb to Damour.
A contemporary poet praised him, writing:
“With your generosity, Beirut has flourished,
Its beauty rivaling the glories of history.”

Van Dyck Heritage Center: A Tribute to Aabey’s Educational Legacy

Aabey holds a special place in the history of education in Lebanon.

The American missionaries established the American High School in Aabey, which later moved to Beirut to become the American University of Beirut (AUB).
The Aabey Evangelical Church, built in 1849, remains one of the oldest Evangelical churches in the Middle East.

A Historic Opportunity for Aabey

With the Hima declaration, and eco-tourism initiatives, Aabey stands at the threshold of a cultural and environmental revival. The town has the potential to become a model for heritage conservation in Lebanon, blending history, nature, and sustainable development into a living legacy for future generations.