“Preserve our village or what remains of it.” That’s what the mayor of Hadat said. We are standing in front of Hadat Municipality. It is responsible for the city’s administrative affairs. Hadat is a municipality in the Baabda District. It lies in Mount Lebanon Governorate. Hadat borders Beirut’s southern edge. The city is part of Beirut’s metropolitan area.
Hadat’s story stretches back far into antiquity. A Heavy Neolithic archaeological site lies about 7 kilometers south-southeast of Beirut. It is on the old road to Sidon. Auguste Bergy discovered it. He collected artifacts from a spur near a ravine. This ravine was south of the last houses in the village. The finds included Heavy Neolithic material. This material belonged to the Qaraoun culture. The artifacts were an atypical variety. They featured large rough flakes. These included picks and choppers. Cores were also found. Some pieces showed burin impacts. Some had twisted forms. Today the area is built up.
In 2014, Christians were a large majority of registered voters in Hadat. Muslims made up a small percentage. Maronite Catholics formed the largest Christian group. Greek Orthodox and Greek Catholics also had significant numbers.
Hadat sits at an elevation of 1,250 meters. That is about 4,100 feet. The municipality covers 1,563 hectares. This equals 3,862 acres. Hadat lies 7 kilometers. That is about 4.3 miles. It is south-southeast of Beirut.
The Hadat Municipality is led by Edward Aoun. You can contact them by phone or through their website. They are also active on Facebook. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they formed a health committee. This committee tracked daily concerns. They organized daily patrols. They provided PCR tests. A hotline was set up for emergencies. Food support was given to needy families.
The municipality’s story is complex. In the past, there have been controversies. These controversies involved sectarian issues and property ownership. Despite these challenges, Hadat continues to evolve. It balances preserving its heritage with modern realities. The Hadat Municipality plays a vital role. It guides the city through these changes. It shapes its future. Hadat remains a significant place. It is a place where ancient history meets modern life.