Aray, Lebanon

Aaray is a mountainous municipality in Jezzine, Lebanon.

Etymology

The name of the village, Aaray, is derived from the Greek god of warfare, Ares.

Geography

Aaray lies in a valley below Jezzine within the Bkassine forest. Aray is rich in springs and streams, especially the Aray Stream, which is the principal tributary of the Awali river in South Lebanon.

Demographics

In 2014, Christians made up 92.48% and Druze made up 7.06% of registered voters in Aaray. 86.57% of the voters were Maronite Catholics.

Economy

Aaray is a regional producer of grapes, olives, pines, and jujube.
The village is a major producer of olive-oil and olive-oil soap as well as pine nuts.