Kaferkahel


Kaferkahel, also spelled Kfarkahel, Kfarqahel, Kfar Kahel or Kfar Qahel, is a Lebanese village in the Koura District of the North governorate. Characterized by its geographical location as it separates the district of Al-Koura and Zgharta-corner through the Kadisha Valley and the Kadisha River. The village is mayorly Sunni [Islam in Lebanon|Sunni Muslim]. A church and a mosque are situated in the center of the village, there's also a little abandoned church dedicated to St. Elias on the banks of the Kadisha River, this church is used in July to celebrate Mar Illiess.

Demographics

Faith

In 2014, Muslims made up 61.22% and Christians made up 38.52% of registered voters in Kaferkahel. 59.82% of the voters were Sunni Muslims and 36.35% were Greek Orthodox Christians|Greek Orthodox].

Diaspora

There are a lot of immigrants from Kaferkahel to several countries like:
They visit their friends and family in the summer and holidays.
Notable migrants include the McGuire family in Sydney, Australia whose original surname "Hajjeh" was changed by the government on arrival.
John McGuire who was a judge at the district court.
Mark McGuire was changed in Australia and who went on to become Lebanese-Australian of the year in 2010.
Mark's son Mark McGuire Jr. is currently a leading cardiologist and professor at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Main families

The main families of Kaferkahel are:
  • Hadid, which is the biggest family in the village
  • Al-Ashkar
  • Mahfouz
  • El-Nabbout
  • Hajjeh
  • Abdul Qader
  • Semsom
  • Moufarej
In 1953, Kaferkahel had a population of 69 living in 24 households.

River

The Kadisha River, also known as Nahr Abu-A'ali, passes through this village.

Election of the municipalities of Kaferkahel

Assaad Mahfouz is the current president of the municipality of Kfarqahel, a village in the Koura District of Lebanon. He was elected during the most recent municipal elections held on april 11.This marked a shift in local leadership, replacing the long-standing former president Nizar Abdul Qader. Mahfouz’s election reflects both local support and broader political alignment within the region.