Lebanese Surinamese

Lebanese Surinamese people are Surinamese citizens of Lebanese origin or descent.

Lebanese Surinamese people
Regions with significant populations
Paramaribo
Languages
Dutch · Sranan Tongo · Arabic · French
Religion
Majority: Roman Catholicism
Related ethnic groups
Lebanese diaspora

History

The first Lebanese, Nicolas Karkabé, arrived in Suriname around 1890 and settled there. He began as a peddler in the countryside but became a wealthy merchant in only a short time.[1] The next Lebanese, mostly Maronites, arrived in the 1990s from French Guiana. Within Lebanon they originate from a specific region, Bsharri, a small (agrarian based) village (Bazaoun). Within Suriname they entered the textile trade that they dominate at present. The modest migration to Suriname continues to this day and this small group of Lebanese expatriates now counts 500 members.[2]

Notes
  1. "Sranan. Cultuur in Suriname". dbnl.org.
  2. "Libanezen". Suriname.nu.

References
  • G.A. de Bruijne J. Veltkamp, 2006, Libanese Surinamers, Leiden, ISBN 90-8167-555-9
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