Qartaba


Qartaba is a town in the mountains of the Byblos District of the Keserwan-Jbeil Governorate, Lebanon. It is located 57 kilometers north Beirut on the mountains above Byblos at an average altitude of 1,250 meters. It is the second-most populous city in the district after Byblos.
Qartaba extends between the municipal borders of Almat el Jnoubiye to the northwest, Balhoss to the west, Qorqaiya to the southwest, Janne to the south, Deir Mar Sarkis to the east, and Mazraat es-Siyad to the northeast. It stands as one of the largest and most prominent towns in the Byblos District, renowned for its role as a premier resort and a major tourist destination. It offers a unique appeal with its dry, mild climate, making it an ideal spot for visitors year-round.

Etymology

The name Qartaba has several interpretations:
  • In Semitic languages, specifically Syriac, Qar means settlement and Taba means good. Due to its good, curing and balanced weather.
  • The name might be derived from Qartab, a plant that grows in its barren mountains.
The Syriac interpretation is the most likely because most of the surrounding villages have names of Syriac or Aramaic origin.

History

20th Century

At the beginning of the 20th century, Qartaba was a significant commercial hub in the Byblos highland, attracting residents from neighboring villages for shopping and employment. Silk manufacturing flourished and in 1918 as the town boasted seven silk-spinning factories, employing around five hundred workers, and its residents raised silkworms for this industry. The silk produced was exported to Lyon, France. However, the industry declined with the advent of artificial silk.
In the mid-1950s, the people of Qartaba shifted their focus to agriculture, particularly apple farming, which remains prominent to this day. Olive groves, apple orchards and vineyards surround the town.
The diaspora of Qartaba's residents has spread worldwide, reaching countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, and notably South America, including Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina.

Archeology

Funerary Qartaba Column
A column carved into the facade of two temples, with statues of members of an elite Roman family was discovered in 1940 in Qartaba, near [|Saint Sarkis and Bakhos Monastery]. Written under the statues in Greek are the names of the family members: "Abd al-Latus", "Meli", "Cassia" and "Germanus". It is estimated that the statues were buried between 120 and 160 CE, based on Abd al-Latus' hair and beard.
Men's clothing reflects the influence of Roman dress, unlike women's clothing, which reflects local tradition. "Germanus" appears to have been a priest, wearing the flat hat of a Phoenician priest, with a sprinkler in his hand for religious rituals. Germanus is still a family name present in Qartaba and is also used as a first name, particularly in Mazraat es-Siyad. As for "Abd al-Latus", he bears the name of a goddess whose honor was associated with the Arabian Peninsula, and the names "Germanus" and "Cassia" reflect the Roman influence in the area. The statue is now located in the National Museum of Beirut.
Saint Elias Historical Church
Saint Elias Church in Hsaiya, Qartaba, is a historically significant Maronite Church. Located approximately 500 meters from its original site, the current church was built to serve the local Maronite community. The old church, now in ruins, was constructed on the remains of an ancient temple, with only the foundation and massive, intricately carved stones still visible.
The structure was renovated in 1556 by Sheikh Aziz Al-Sokhni in dedication to Saint Elias, the patron saint of his ancestors. Today, the property belongs to the Maronite Patriarchate. Archaeological findings around the site include remnants of old houses with stones engraved with stars, crescent shapes, and serpents, potentially signifying ancient cultural or spiritual symbols.
West of the main structure, a Winepress and a large pressing vat carved into the rock are visible, along with a sarcophagus believed to contain multiple burial sites. These findings, alongside the architectural style, suggest that the site may have Phoenician origins.
Roman Inscriptions
Qartaba, a region rich in ancient inscriptions, lies in a landscape where numerous Roman engravings, especially those attributed to the era of Emperor Hadrian, have been found. These inscriptions are mostly located on large rocks and cliffs in the mountainous surroundings of Qartaba and nearby valleys. While the town may lack grand ancient monuments, the Hadrianic inscriptions scattered across its surroundings offer valuable insight into the Roman influence in the area, making it a point of interest for historians and archeologists alike.
Key Inscriptions Around Qartaba:
  • Ras Akbet-Janne: Located southwest of Qartaba, this inscription is found on a large rock. Although partially legible, it likely includes the standard formula "MAI AVG" and the abbreviation "DFS."
  • Rock Facing Nahr Ibrahim: Near the previous inscription, another engraving faces the Nahr Ibrahim River. While some letters are smaller or larger than others, it appears to include the sequence "GIVCP."
  • Wadi Botrayich: In this valley in Qartaba, an inscription was found on a stone likely dislodged from the cliff. It reads “AGIVCP.”
  • Jouar el-Ramel: This inscription, located between Balhoss and Qartaba, includes the sequences “MPHADAVGDFS” and “AGIVCP.”
  • Ammes Bou-Yazbek : In the Tarou' area, inscriptions appear on opposite sides of a large rock, with one side reading “MPIADAV” and the other “AGIVCP.”
  • Ammas Beit Challita and Ammas Bou-Yazbek: Another poorly preserved inscription with the same pattern, “MPIADAVGDFS” and “AGIVCP", was found here, south of Qartaba.
  • Ammas al-Kabir: This location, overlooking the Tarou’ al-Ward, features two inscriptions: one reading “AGIV CVCP” or “CVGP", and another “MPIAD AVG D.”
  • Tarou’ al-Ward: close to Jouar el-Ramel, another inscription was copied, though roughly, indicating the letters “AVG CV.”
The inscriptions around Qartaba are often partially eroded or concealed, making them challenging to locate without the assistance of local guides. Many of these inscriptions are located in remote and elevated areas, accessible only with the help of knowledgeable locals familiar with the terrain.
Via Appia
The Eastern Via Appia, an extension of the Roman road network, is believed to have passed through Qartaba, specifically the Botrayich area, and through multiple towns in the Byblos District, like Byblos, Yanouh, Aaqoura, all the way to the Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek. This site contains ancient Roman inscriptions and a variety of ruins, including remnants from Roman, Greek, and Crusader periods.

Geography

Climate

Qartaba has a Mediterranean climate with very low humidity, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere and making it a refuge for those with asthma and allergies. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 33 °C and nearly no rainfall. Clear skies dominate, and sunshine hours peak at 14.5 hours a day. In autumn, temperatures gradually cool, and rainfall increases slightly, with November receiving around 62 mm.
Winter is cold and snowy, with average highs around 11 °C and lows near freezing. January is the wettest month, bringing about 140 mm of precipitation. Snow often blankets the village, adding a serene charm. Spring brings mild warmth and moderate rain, nurturing lush greenery and vibrant blooms before the return of dry summer months.

Nature

The forests and green spaces of Qartaba make up about 70% of the town's area, a significant expanse that includes many tree species. These trees range from oak and sycamore to wild mulberry and the rare Lebanese pine, which was commonly used in the past to build houses with earthen roofs.

Geology

Tellejet Qartaba, translating to "Qartaba's freezers", are huge karst rock formations located in the town's Barren mountains at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. These formations are characterized by their impressive size and unique shapes, resulting from natural Erosion processes over millions of years. They were given this name due to their ability to store snow all year round.
The geological composition of the rocks is primarily Limestone, which is typical of the region and contributes to their distinctive appearance. The formations showcase various erosion patterns, creating cliffs and crevices. The area overlooks the surrounding landscape, making it a common spot for hikers, rock climbers and nature enthusiasts.
Matkoube Cave is a natural cave located in the highlands of the town, standing 1690 meters above sea level. Its name reflects its feature, as there is a large hole about 15 meters high in its ceiling. The snow that falls inside lasts for a long time, extending until the summer season, which the locals used to benefit from in the past. Currently, the cave attracts rock climbing and hiking enthusiasts and is occasionally used to shelter livestock.

Demographics

Qartaba is the second most populous town in the Byblos District. The town experiences seasonal population fluctuations, becoming more densely populated in summer as residents return and visitors arrive, while winter sees a decrease in density as many relocate to urban areas or lower elevations. This seasonal variation highlights Qartaba's dynamic demographic profile and its appeal as a summer destination.
The biggest families in Qartaba are: Sokhn, Karam, Khoury, Challita, Beyrouthy, Sakr, Atallah, Salem, Cherfan, and Lahoud.

Religion

In 2014, Christians made up 98.89% of registered voters in Qartaba. 90.07% of the voters were Maronite Catholics.

Economy

Agriculture

Agriculture in Qartaba has gone through several phases, each characterized by its own distinct agricultural season. Qartaba was historically known for grape cultivation, as the Phoenicians were recognized for their process of pressing grapes grown in the Byblos region. In the 19th century, Qartaba shifted to cultivating mulberries and raising silkworms for silk production.
By the 1940s, the focus of agriculture had turned to apples, which gained widespread fame in the Byblos District. Over 250,000 red apple trees, known for their deep color due to the fog that occurs during the final growth stage, spread throughout Qartaba. Additionally, peaches, cherries, pears, and other fruits are also cultivated and exported.