Mazraat es-Siyad

Mazraat es-Siyad (also transliterated Mazraet es-Siyed; Arabic: مزرعة السياد‎ pronounced [Mazraʿat Assiyad]) is a small town in the highlands of the Byblos District in the Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon. The town is 58 kilometres (36 mi) away from Beirut and stands at an elevation of 1,250 meters above sea level.[1]

Mazraat es-Siyad

مزرعة السياد
Mazraat es-Siyad
Location in Lebanon
Coordinates: 34°6′15″N 35°51′35″E
Country Lebanon
GovernorateMount Lebanon
DistrictByblos
Government
 • MayorRobert Tony Gharios
Area
 • Total6.65 km2 (2.57 sq mi)
Highest elevation
1,250 m (4,100 ft)
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)

History

Mazraat es-Siyad translates as "grange of the masters" in Arabic. It is named after the Shia siyyad (masters) of the al-Husseini family whose ancestor, Sayyed Hussein al-Husseini, was the first person to reside in the area after he restored an ancient monastery. The monastery was bestowed to him by Sheikh Nawfal Ibrahim al-Khoury during the Mamluk era (13th–15th centuries).[1]

Geography

Mazraat es-Siyyad is located in the Byblos District in the Mount Lebanon Governorate. It is 58 kilometers north of the capital Beirut. It spans an area of 6.65 square kilometres (2.57 sq mi) and stands at an altitude of 1,250 meters above sea level. The municipal area of Mazraat es-Siyad includes the hamlets of Abboud, Mazraat er-Rmeileh, Sharbineh and Bolhos.[1]

Demographics

The population lives in a total of 220 houses in the town. There were 1,250 voters from Mazraat es-Siyad registered in 2005. The largest families in order of size according to the 2005 election records are al-Husseini, Karkaba, Bou-Gharios, Abi-Acar, Obeid, Gharios, Zaarour, Barakat, Bou-Salman, Karam, Ziadé and El-Khoury. Other families include some of these families' original last names such as Salamé (to Abi-Acar), Oueiss (to Bou-Gharios), as well as Medawar, Maatouk, Bou-Yazbek and Aouad.[1]

Government

Mazraat es-Siyad municipality was established in 2004.[2] The municipal council currently has twelve members.[1] In addition to the municipal council, Mazraat es-Siyad has a three-member mayoral council headed by a mukhtar (headman).[1]

Economy

Agriculture, namely pomology is the main economic activity in the Byblos highlands. Mazraet es-Siyad has many natural water sources, fertile soil and arable land. Residents also depend on permanent jobs, as there are 15 small commercial and industrial companies, in addition to two hotels, the Shangri-La and the Monte Carlo.[1]

Landmarks

Religious buildings
Saint Abdas and Our Lady churches
  • Mar Abda (Saint Abdas) Church founded by Gharios family in 1708 and greatly expanded in later centuries.
  • Mazra’at As-Siyyad Mosque, built in line with a decision by Mutasarrıf Wasa Pasha (ruled 1883-1892).
  • Saydet an-Najat (Our Lady of Salvation) Church.[1]

Culture

Festivities

Mazraat es-Siyad celebrates the Feast of the Lady of Salvation (Saydet an-Najat) on 8 September and Saint Abdas on 31 August with traditional dinners and festivities.[1]

Notable residents

References
  1. Localiban (15 June 2015). "Mazraat Es Siyad". Localiban, Administrative Divisions of Lebanon. Data Center on Local Development in Lebanon. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  2. Jbeil Files staff (29 June 2011). "نبذة تاريخية عن نشأة البلديات في قضاء جبيل". تاريخ جبيل (in Arabic). Jbeil Files. Archived from the original on 26 September 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  3. القصيفي, ايلي (7 September 2012). "قرطبـا تتقـن لعبـة الجمـال" (in Arabic). Assafir. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
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