Seventy-five hundred meters northeast of Jdeideh, a Stone-Age site was discovered. This is just one fascinating fact about Jdeideh. Today we will explore this vibrant coastal city. Jdeideh is the administrative capital of the Matn District in Mount Lebanon Governorate.
Jdeideh covers approximately 6 square kilometers. It is situated in the northern suburbs of Beirut, forming part of Greater Beirut. The municipality comprises three villages. They are Jdeidet el-Matn, Bauchrieh, and Sed el Bauchrieh. The city has a mixed ethnic population. It includes Armenian and Assyrian inhabitants, numbering around 160000.
Let’s delve into Jdeideh’s history. Jesuit fathers discovered three archaeological sites here. Two sites revealed Heavy Neolithic flints from the Qaraoun culture. Jdeideh I, discovered by Raoul Describes, yielded tools from various periods. These included Acheulean, Middle Paleolithic, Upper Paleolithic, and Heavy Neolithic eras. These artifacts are now housed in the Museum of Lebanese Prehistory at Saint Joseph University.
Jdeideh II, found by Auguste Bergy, contained an Upper Paleolithic assemblage. It featured brown Cretaceous flint scrapers. A specialist variety, also found at Ain Cheikh, was termed Grattoirs de côté. Jdeideh III, also discovered by Bergy, revealed a Gigantolithic assemblage. It included massive choppers, scrapers on flakes, and coarse picks.
In 2014, Christians constituted 76.40% of registered voters in Jdeideh. Muslims accounted for 23.13%. Maronite Catholics represented 43.62% of voters. Sunni Muslims comprised 16.48%. Greek Orthodox followers made up 11.56%. Greek Catholics accounted for 8.65%.
Since the 1960s, Jdeideh has transformed into a 21st-century metropolis. Olive tree fields gave way to well-served urban areas. The commercial center, City Hall, and post office showcase this evolution. A medical free clinic offers advanced techniques. The Michel Elmurr sports complex and municipal theater add to the city’s modernity. You can also find a museum of fishes and a bustling business area here.
Jdeideh has successfully blended progress with heritage preservation. Ancient house facades and the Nakuzi cave reflect its rich past. The city stands as a testament to successful mutation. It embraces the future while honoring its cultural roots. Jdeideh is an important industrial and commercial hub. It plays a significant role in Lebanon’s economic landscape.
Jdeideh, with its blend of ancient history and modern development, offers a unique glimpse into Lebanon’s past and present. Its archaeological sites whisper tales of early human settlements. Its modern amenities reflect its dynamic growth. As we conclude our tour, remember Jdeideh. It is a city where history and progress intertwine.