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The
word “El-marj” is a true Arabic
word meaning lush green land. The
El-marj has been there for many, many
years.
It dates back to 500 years ago,
including the time of the Ottoman
Empire in the Arab world. There are graves that are dated back to umayyad period of the
700’s.
Some historians say it is back
to the time of the Great Khalifas at
even an earlier date.
Either way, the El-marj is an
ancient and established area of the
Bekka Valley.In 1952, El-marj elected
its first town council,
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on December 7th
of that year and the first mayor was
Mohammed Harb.The
first Mukhtar was Ali Ahmad Chaaban. El-marj
has been an interesting political
arena, with many positive and negative
events.
Of the latter, the one most
remembered was in 1963 the election of
the town council was delayed because
of local politics.
It was delayed until 1966, when
Mohammed Harb was re-elected, but no
town council was elected.
In 1998 after 30 years of no
council, an election took place.
Samir Kassim Jarrah was elected
as Mayor, and continues in that
position until today.
The El-marj is situated in the
middle of the West Bekka Valley,
judicial district of Zahle.
It has a very good relationship
with the surrounding neighbors in
district. You can get to the El-marj
in all directions.
The town is an open door to all
visitors and people just passing
through.
To the north you will find the
town of Bar Elias, and to the south,
Houch Al-Harimah, while west of El-marj
is Al Rowda (Istabble) and Kab Elias
to the west. The town is approximately
12 square kilometers, with 65 Dunums
still owned by the town.
The
town is situated about 876m above sea
level and is located 51km from Beirut,
Lebanon’s capital.
It is also 12km from the major
city of Zahle, and 18km from Jib
Janine the province’s capital.
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Major
Cities - El Marj
