Anjar in Lebanon
Anjar is one of the unique places in Lebanon that can not be compared with almost no sight or landmark in the country. This is definitely one of the Asian top destinations. Anjar today offers the ruins of an ancient city which is a unique testimony to city planning Umayyads. Anjar is located in the Zahle, which is part of the Bekaa Governorate.
The ancient city stands in the Bekaa Valley in the western part of the average Lebanese. In literal translation Anjar means “running river”. The place is locally known as Haoush Mousa. Currently Anjar population is about 2400 people, consisting mainly of Armenians. In 1939 the town was inhabited by several thousand Armenian refugees from the Turkish area Musa Dagh.
Located 58 km from Beirut, Anjar archaeological heritage is unmatched by any other monument in the country. Most of them are overlays of one another from different historical periods, while Anjar monument is an outstanding model of a single epoch.
Although created relatively late (in the 8th century) Anjar no millennial history of the ancient cities like Babylon, but in contrast, managed to prosper for several decades. Here you can see this as a mosque in Baalbeck, but unless there are many ruins that tell the history of the Umayyads state.
Founded between 705-715 years Anzhar quickly became an important trading crossroads, taking advantage of its strategic location at the crossroads of important trade routes leading to Damascus, Homs, Baalbek and the south. Anjar remain forever unique in the only historical example of domestic commercial center.
The city of Anjar has great significance and proximity to the city Litani River, which was an important water source. Excavations in Anjar began shortly after Lebanon gained independence in 1943. Soon, a seemingly modest remains of the ancient powerful city began to appear one by one archaeological monuments that are testimony to the prosperity of Umayyads.
Light comes fortified city surrounded by walls, accompanied by 40 towers. In parallel, near Anjar planted evergreen cypresses and eucalyptus, which now form a nice park around the city. All Anjar is remarkable for its unique building plan, with streets, exquisite colonnades and arches. To date, almost all Anjar been excavated and some monuments have been restored.
Among the main attractions are Anjar a palace located in the northwestern part of the archaeological complex, the second palace and public baths. All of Anjar was included in the list of World Heritage by UNESCO in 1984. Umayyads palace and is still quite well preserved, as it can be seen in 3 levels with many Roman sculptures with interesting ornaments.
Anjar goes ever forward as a popular tourist destination. Near the ruins of the old town are built many nice restaurants, where visitors can taste local Lebanese and Armenian specialties, and many delicious fish dishes.
