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Zouk
Khrab
History
Zouk Khrab is a very old historic town lying on the Nahr el
Kalb southern banks derived its name after the Turkmen
Lieutenant called Khrab who lived in the town with his tribe and
soldiers during the Mamluk era. Its
strategic location overlooking the Mediterranean sea, since the Phoenician
days until the second world war, has attracted military activity and setup
of forts, barracks, and dug out hid away tunnels and secret passage ways.
In the early 1950, Zouk Khrab has welcomed many Palestinians and
refugees in response to the Popes representative appeal.
Zouk Khrab is very rich in history which survive as
inscription tablets scattered all along its northern frontier along the
Nahr el Kalb banks. Inscriptions
on tablets date back to the Pharos, Ashouryans, Babylonians, Allied
soldiers, until independence day 1946.
The town has two historical churches:
1-
St. Georges church, of historical and religious importance
2-
St. Joseph Citadel which was used as a defense fort dating
back to pre roman era. The
hermit Chahin Moussa Hakalani lived in it until 1736 when he gave it to
the maronite church.
Construction
Construction spread to the eastern side of Zouk Khrab in
the early days. In modern
days, and due to Beirut water company, construction spread to the west of
the town extending from Dbayeh to Jeita Grottos.
Geography
Zouk Khrab lies on the southern banks of Nahr el Kalb
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Bordered by Deir Tamish and Mar Abda el Mishmer to the east
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Dbayeh and the Mediterranean sea to the west
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Nahr el Kalb and Zouk Mosbeh to the north
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Dbayeh and Haret el Belaneh to the south
It is mainly rocky land, with some curable land suitable
for growing vegetables. Zouk
Khrab has a flat land at the coast, rising gradually in the center area
and falls steeply to the north and south.
At its highest point, it rises 100m above sea level, enjoys a
moderate weather, and relatively low humidity.
Demography (1983)
Population
3575
Refugees
3500 living in what is known as Dbayeh camp
Area
2, 360, 000 mē
Average 5 persons per family
260 buildings (residential) between 1-5 stores, and a
few villas
Land Use
400,
000 mē
Construction
1, 700, 000 mē
Undeveloped real-estate
50, 000 mē
Agriculture
150,
000 mē
Rocky and bushes
60, 000 mē
Industry
Utilities
Water supplies from Beirut water company and electricity
from Antelias distributor.
Religious
Places
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St. Joseph Citadel
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St. George Church
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St. Janet Church
Tourist
Sites
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The historic inscription tablets at Nahr el Kalb
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Military tunnel extending from the river bank to St. Joseph
Citadel
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Various restaurants
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Shooting club
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