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Beit ed-Dine


Beit ed-Dine
Photo Information
Copyright: Moncef Moncef (Monceflibra) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 121 W: 0 N: 259] (968)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-01-05
Categories: Architecture
Exposure: f/7.1, 1/200 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-06-08 8:43
Viewed: 254
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Beit ed-Dine (in Arabic, translates to "House of Religion") is a small Lebanese town in the Chouf District, approx. 50 km southeast of Beirut and near the town of Deir el-Qamar from which it is separated by a steep valley. The town is famous for its magnificent Beiteddine Palace which hosts the Beiteddine Festival every summer.

Local emir Bashir Shihab II who was later appointed to rule Mount Lebanon, started building the palace in 1788 at the site of the Druze hermitage (hence the town's name, translating as "House of Faith"). It took about 30 years to complete. The best craftsmen from Damascus and Aleppo as well as Italian architects were invited and given much freedom, so its style is a cross between traditional Arab and Italian baroque.

After 1840 when Bashir was sent into exile the palace was used by the Ottomans as a government building, during the French Mandate its role was preserved and it served as a local administrative office. In 1934 it was declared a national monument. In 1943 Bechara El Khoury, the first Lebanese president, declared it the official president's summer residence. During the Lebanese civil war it was heavily damaged. After 1984, when fighting in the area receded, Walid Jumblatt ordered its restoration. Parts of the palace are today open to the public while the rest is still the president's summer residence.

Bashir built three more palaces in the town for his sons, till today only Mir Amin Palace survived and is today a luxury hotel.
trekks, Matylda76, subs has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

hi Moncef

This is really a very special hotel architecture and your pov gives a great view of the features. Must be nice to stay in hotel like this, old and traditional design but retains its flavor of history.

tfs, bill

hello again,
wow amazing place
lovely palace, oryginal windows
nice POV and light
very good and interesting note!
bye K.

  • Great 
  • subs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 156 W: 0 N: 105] (1199)
  • [2008-07-07 9:21]

Hi Moncef,
A very nice pov...you got all the elements-archs, windows, stairs,courtyard. Must be a wonderful place to visit.
Regards,
Subashini

  • Great 
  • EOSF1 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1462 W: 126 N: 2045] (17677)
  • [2008-07-27 13:54]

Hello Moncef! That's a beautiful architectural shot! The place is beautiful and you've done a great image, well done, thanks!

Mario

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