History of Dayr al Qamar

Lebanese literary tradition. It was the first village in Lebanon to have a municipality in 1864, and it is the birthplace of many well known personalities, such as artists, writers, and politicians. It was the capital of the Druze Cancimat of Lebanon (1840-1860).

Deir El Qamar is a Lebanese town known as the Capital of Emirs. From its palaces, Lebanon was governed from the 16th century until the 18th century. People from all religious backgrounds lived in peace until 1860. That's what explains the existence of a mosque, a synagogue, and Christian churches. In the year 1860, Deir El Qamar was destroyed during the conflict between Druze and Christians. More than two thousand Christian men and young boys and twelve monks were decapitated or shot to death. Then, the town was set ablaze. The French emperor, Napoleon, sent seven thousand soldiers in order to establish peace and protect the Christians. When they arrived, they collected the bodies from the streets and buried them outside Saydet El Talle Church (Our Lady of the Hill). Later, the remains- called by the inhabitants "the martyrs of Deir El Qamar"- were moved inside the Church. Today, 85% of Deir El Qamar inhabitants are Maronites and 14% are Greek Catholics.

One of the most important historical and religious site in Deir El Qamar is Our Lady of the Hill known as Saydet El Talle. This Maronite church goes back to the 15th century