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The Culture of Lebanon is varied, depending widely on the differing ethnic groups that live in Lebanon. Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ...

Arabianism vs Non Arabicness

Lebanese nationals, particularly some Christians, tend to emphasize aspects of Lebanon's non-Arab history as a mark of respect to encompass all of Lebanon's historical makeup instead of only that which began during the Arab conquests, an attitude that unfortunately prevails in the rest of the Arab world. In this respect, it would be wrong to dismiss Lebanon's mosaic culture as merely Arab when it is clear that it is a blend of indigenous and invading or foreign cultures that have given it the title of the crossroads between east and west for centuries. This picture is seen most clearly in Lebanon, a land of complete contrasts and a land that cannot be defined by one culture alone, except if one were to bring them altogether and classify them as 'Lebanese'.

Over the centuries, Maronites formed a bond with the Pope and in the French period Maronites eagerly took part in France's mission civilisatrice. There is also an old Maronite standard, dating from the early 19th century writings of Tannus al Shidyaq, that the Maronites are the direct descendants of the Phoenicians. In the 1920s Michel Chiha expanded this idea of Phoenicianness. The Pope - Dan Munt , (or Pope of Rome) (from Latin: papa, Papa, father; from Greek: papas / = priest originating from πατήρ = father )[1], is the Bishop of Rome, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the absolute monarch of Vatican City. ... Phoenicia was an ancient civilization in the north of ancient Canaan, with its heartland along the coastal plain of what is now Lebanon and Syria. ... Michel Chiha (1891 – 1954) is a Lebanese thinker . ... A form of Lebanese nationalism based on emphasizing the pre-Arab and Phoenician origins of the Lebanese. ...

In a concession to Lebanon's Eastern and Western heritage, some Lebanese prefer to see Lebanon as part of "Mediterranean" or "Levantine" civilization, neither Arab nor European.

The non Arabness only applies to small segments of the culture. Everyone born and raised in Lebanon communicates using Arabic in a Lebanese dialect. This applies to its Islamic, Christian, Druze, and other religious practices. Some words in use are Turkish remnants of the Ottoman rule (until WWI). Some chanting in a few churches and on Easter and Christmas holidays is performed in Syriac (Jesus' language), but this is a largely dying practice. Some minorities like Kurds and Armenians use their own languages in everyday speak and cultural interactions. These minorities are estimated at around 2-3%. Language, food, music, arts and various cultural facets are local Lebanese and performed practically all in Arabic. The youth today are quite westernized and "modernized" breaking away with traditions like most other larger cities in the world (dating, western music, food, etc.) Compared to other Arab cities, Lebanese cities (especially Beirut) are more westernized and tolerant, and overt towards men-women relations than most Arab cities, like Damascus, Cairo, Baghdad...

Food and music overlap greatly with those of Egypt, Greece, Syria, Palestine and Turkey (all were Ottoman provinces for 500 years.) While dress was historically similar to the Turks, today the Lebanese dress quite similarly to western countries.

Language

Lebanon's official language is Arabic, but French, Armenian, and English are also widely spoken. Many Lebanese in fact speak a patois of some combination of these four languages, most commonly an Arabic-French mixture. Virtually all Lebanese are bilingual. Arabic ( or just ) is the largest living member of the Semitic language family in terms of speakers. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Patois, although without a formal definition in linguistics, can be used to describe a language considered as nonstandard. ...

Spoken Arabic is one part of a grouping of dialects called Levantine Arabic, differing greatly from the literary Modern Standard Arabic and owes its historical blend to the Syriac dialect of Aramaic and Arabic. It is a fusion between Syriac and Arabic, as well as some Turkish and thus in this respect can be more correctly classified as a language from Arabic, albeit very similar due to its relationship on the tree of Semitic languages. Regional influences and occupations throughout the centuries could possibly explain the reason why Lebanese people speak so many languages, even incorporating them into their own. Levantine Arabic (sometimes called Eastern Arabic) is a group of Arabic dialects spoken in the 100 km-wide eastern-Mediterranean coastal strip known as the Levant, i. ... The term Fusha may refer to: Fusha (language), a collective term referring to a kind of variety in the Arabic language, or Fusha Town(阜沙鎮), a town in the city of Zhongshan, Guangdong Province of China. ...

Due to the importance of the Lebanese diaspora and business interests of Lebanese worldwide, it has always been important to master languages other than Arabic. Many of Lebanon's best educational institutions have primary instruction in French, or English depending on whether the school, university, or college follows the French or American education systems. These have strict rules that the students are taught in the language of the school's origin.

In the Christian communities, until the Lebanese Civil War, it was seen as a mark of status to not speak Arabic. The reason for this could possibly be that Christians generally were educated in many of the French educational institutions and so a general Francophonic class emerged in their communities. In some places French still is preferred to Arabic, and English has been making significant headway in the past 15-20 years. However, as the Muslim population increased in previously Christian areas, Arabic in public is omnipresent, not merely commonplace.

Creative Arts

Main article: Music of Lebanon

Lebanese music is known around the world for its soothing rhythms and wild beats. Traditional and folk music are extremely popular as are western rhythms. Perhaps the best-known and listened to Lebanese singer is Fairuz. Her songs are broadcast every morning on most radio stations and many TV channels, both in Lebanon and other countries in the Middle East and the Arab world in general. Other artists are also well known and loved like Majida El Roumi, Marcel Khalife who is also a composer, oud player, and Julia Boutros. Some Lebanese artists like Najwa Karam and Assi Hellani remain loyal to a traditional type of music known as 'Jabali' (from the mountains), while many other artists incorporate western style into their songs. Lebanese artists are perhaps the most popular in the Middle East alongside Egyptian performers, and the star scene includes prominent figures like Najwa Karam, Nancy Ajram, Elissa (singer), Haifa Wehbe, Ragheb Alame, Myriam Fares, Wael Kfoury, Nawal al Zoghbi, Carole Samaha, Julia Boutros, Marwan Khouri, Waleed Tawfeek, Amal Hejazy and Majida El Roumi. The Non-Arabness previously cited allows a perfect tolerance for foreign or western music too . One could easily experience any kind of music in downtown Beirut or peripherals; for example: rock fans could visit "Nova" pub ; for blues and jazz fans , "the blue note" ; techno and trance fans , "basement" and " B.O. 18" .... Lebanese artist and Lebanese music is sometimes influenced by foreign music too ... For instance , "Lebanese rock" (Ghassan rahbani) or "Lebanese rap"(Aaks El seir") Beirut, the largest city in Lebanon has long been known, especially in a period immediately following World War 2, for its European-style art and intellectualism. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Majida El Roumi (born in Kfarshima in 13 December 1951, is a Lebanese singer. ... Marcel Khalife Marcel Khalife (b. ... Front and rear views of an oud. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Najwa Karam (Arabic: نجوى كرم; born February 26, 1966) is a Lebanese singer, often referred to as Shams el-Ghinnieh el-Arabiyeh شمس الأغنية العربية (The Sun of Arabic song). ... Najwa Karam (Arabic: نجوى كرم; born February 26, 1966) is a Lebanese singer, often referred to as Shams el-Ghinnieh el-Arabiyeh شمس الأغنية العربية (The Sun of Arabic song). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Alissar Khoury, known as Elissa (Arabic: إليسا) is a Lebanese star singer. ... Haifa Wehbe (Arabic: هيفا وهبي; also spelled Haifa Wehbeh, Haifaa Wahbi, Hayfa Wehbe, Hayfa Wehbi, Hifaa Wahby; born March 10, 1976[1]), is a Lebanese model, actor, and singer who rose to fame in the Arab world with the release of her debut album It is Time (Arabic: هو الزمن Huwa az-Zaman). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Wael 2006 album Wael Kfoury (Arabic: ‎) (born Michael Emile Kfoury, ميشيل اميل كفوري, on May 15, 1974) is a Lebanese singer who rose to fame after performing in the LBC program Studio El Fan. ... Nawal Al Zoghbi (Arabic نوال الزغبي), full name Nawal George Al Zoghbi, is a successful Lebanese singer, performing in Arabic and with a fan base throughout the Arabic-speaking world and extending into Europe. ... Carole Samaha (Arabic: كارول سماحة) is a popular Lebanese singer and actress. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Majida El Roumi (born in Kfarshima in 13 December 1951, is a Lebanese singer. ...

Cuisine

Main article: Lebanese cuisine

Lebanese cuisine is shared by many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, namely Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus. Lebanese Cuisine, or foods from Lebanon, are considered a Mediterranean delicacy consisting of a variety of fresh vegetarian recipes, salads and stews all seasoned with a flavorsome combination of exotic spices. ...

The Lebanese national dish is the kibbe, a meat pie made from finely minced lamb and burghul wheat. The national drink is arak, a strong anise-flavored liquor made from fermented grape juice. It is usually drunk with water and ice, which turns the clear liquid milky-white, and always accompanies food. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Kibbeh Alice L. Kibbe Categories: Disambiguation ... Arak Rayan. ... Pimpinella species, but the name anise is frequently applied to Fennel. ...

Traditional Lebanese meals begin with a wide array of mezze-- small savoury dishes, such as dips, salads, pastries, and vegetables. The mezze are typically followed by a selection of grilled meats and fish. In general, meals are finished with Arabic coffee and fresh fruit, though sometimes a selection of sweets will be offered as well. Mezes (pl. ...

M'jadra, a thick stew of onions, rice and lentils, is often considered a poor man's food and is eaten around Lent by Lebanese immigrants to the United States. It is never served to company by traditional Lebanese families. In Western Christianity, Lent is the forty-day period (or season) lasting from Ash Wednesday to Easter[1] or Holy Saturday. ...

Foreign cuisines -- especially French, Italian, American, and Asian -- are all easily available at restar of internationally-renowned wineries, which are mostly located in the fertile Bekaa Valley. These include Chateau Ksara, Chateau Kefraya, Chateau Musar, and many others. The most common Lebanese beer is Almaza, which is often enjoyed at the beach on a hot summer day. Asian cuisine is a term for the various cuisines of South, East and Southeast Asia and for fusion dishes based on combining them. ... Wine Barrels A winery is a facility where fruit, usually grapes, is processed into wine. ... ... For other uses, see Beer (disambiguation). ... One of the most popular beers around, generally competing with Bud Light. ...

Sports

Because of Lebanon's unique geography, both summer and winter sports thrive in the country. In fact, in fall and spring it is sometimes possible to engage in both in one day, skiing in the morning and swimming in the Mediterranean during the afternoon. Composite satellite image of the Mediterranean Sea. ...

Lebanon boasts six ski resorts, with slopes suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and levels of experience. Off-slope, there are many opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Alpine skier carving a turn on piste Members of the U.S. Air Force skiing (and snowboarding) at Keystone Resorts 14th Annual SnoFest Downhill Ski Racing This article is about snow skiing. ... Snowboarder in a half-pipe Snowboarder trail entry Snowboarding is a sport that involves descending a snow-covered slope on a snowboard that is attached to ones feet using a boot/binding interface. ... Cross-country skiing (also known as XC skiing) is a winter sport popular in many countries with large snowfields, primarily Northern Europe and Canada. ... Snowshoers in Bryce Canyon Snowshoes are a form of footwear devised for travelling over snow. ... A snowmobile tour at Yellowstone National Park (NPS Photo) A snowmobile is a land vehicle propelled by one or two rubber tracks, with skis for steering. ...

In the summer, skilifts can be used to access some of Lebanon's best hiking trails, with panoramic views stretching as far as Cyprus to the west and Syria to the east on clear days. Canoeing, cycling, rafting, climbing, swimming, sailing and spelunking are among the other common leisure sports in Lebanon. Adventure and extreme sports are also possible throughout the country. Two hikers in the Mount Hood National Forest Eagle Creek hiking Hiking is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery. ... Canoeing is the recreational or sporting activity of paddling a canoe or kayak. ... Police officer on a bicycle Cycling is a recreation, a sport and a means of transport across land. ... Rafting in Brazil. ... Rock climbers on Valkyrie at The Roaches in Staffordshire, England. ... This article concentrates on human swimming. ... For the songs, see Sailing (song). ... Inside the cave at Cave Stream, New Zealand Caving is the recreational sport of exploring caves. ...

At the competitive level, basketball, football are among Lebanon's most popular sports. In recent years, Lebanon has hosted the Asian Cup and the Pan-Arab Games; the country will host the Winter Asian Games in 2009. To meet the needs of these international competitions, Lebanon maintains state-of-the-art athletic facilities, which in turn encourage local sporting activities. Lebanon sends athletes to both the winter and summer games of the Olympics and Special Olympics. Sara Giauro shoots a three-point shot, FIBA Europe Cup for Women Finals 2005. ... Football (soccer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... The Asian Cup is run by the Asian Football Confederation. ... The Pan Arab Games are a regional multi-sport event held between nations from the Arab world. ... Asian Games Logo The Asian Games, also called the Asiad, is a multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia. ... The five Olympic rings were designed in 1913, adopted in 1914 and debuted at the Games at Antwerp, 1920. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

The Beirut International Marathon is held every fall, drawing top runners from Lebanon and abroad. Shorter races are also held for youth and less serious competitors. Race day is promoted as a fun, family event, and it has become a tradition for many to participate in costumes or outlandish clothing. Modern day marathon runners The word marathon refers to a long-distance road running event of 42. ...

Institutions

Universities

See List of universities in Lebanon Universities in Lebanon: Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA) [1] American University of Beirut (AUB) [2] Antonine University (UPA) American University College of Technology (AUT) American University College of Science and Technology (AUST) [3] Business and Computer University College (BCU) Beirut Arab University (BAU) [4] Beirut University Online Ecole...

Religion

Main article: Demographics_of_Lebanon#Religious_Groups_of_Lebanon

Lebanon’s primary religious groups, very roughly, are Shia Muslim (the largest group), Sunni Muslim, Christian, and Druze. Muslims represent roughly 60% of the total population, while Christians make up the other 40%. Of the muslims, the predominant Shi'a make up 60%, while the Sunni make up most of the remainder. Druze and Alawis are minorities. About 91% of the population of Lebanon is urban and comprises many different ethnic groups and religions, including numerous Christian and Muslim sects. ... Shiʻa Islam (Arabic شيعى follower; English has traditionally used Shiite) makes up the second largest sect of believers in Islam, constituting about 30%–35% of all Muslim. ... Sunni Islam (Arabic سنّة) is the largest denomination of Islam. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Druze star The Druze (Arabic: درزي, derzÄ« or durzÄ«, plural دروز, durÅ«z; Hebrew: , Druzim; also transliterated Druz or Druse) are a Middle Eastern religious community whose traditional religion stemmed primarily from an offshoot of an Islamic sect, but is unique in its incorporation of Gnostic, neo-Platonic and other philosophies. ...

The division of power between the religious groups is an interesting problem. The Lebanese have solved this by making different high ranking government positions represented by the different religious groups. The President must be Marounite, the Prime Minister must be Sunni, and the Speaker of the Parliament must be Shi'a. The patron saint of Lebanon is St.Charbel.

External links

• Beirut International Marathon
• Fédération Libanaise de Basketball
• Lebanon:a cultural profile

See also

• Demographics of Lebanon
• Lebanon football
• Music of Lebanon
• Abu Abed, a fictional character that forms the centerpiece of many Lebanese jokes