Kahale

Kahale (Arabic: الكحالة), is a mountain village in the district of Aley (Caza Aley), Lebanon, 13 km from Beirut. Population estimated at 11,000 residents, most of whom are Maronite Catholic.

Kahale
الكحالة
Kehale
Kahale is located in Lebanon
Kahale
Kahale
Location in Lebanon
Coordinates: 33°49′19″N 35°35′15″E
Country Lebanon
GovernorateMount Lebanon Governorate
DistrictAley District
Area
[1]
 • Total0.75 sq mi (1.94 km2)
Elevation
[1]
1,800 ft (550 m)
Population
 • Total13,000
Time zoneUTC+2 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)+3

Etymology

Kahale is derived from Syriac and Aramaic, from kah (verb meaning breathed or respired); al or el (the name of the Canaanite god El, who was considered the father of God and of mankind); and e (an ending denoting that the god El is the speaker's god).

Geography

Considering the locale and geography of the Kahale this name is suited well. A valley extends from the Sh'har west side of the Kahale into the Rjoum, eastern side of the Kahale.

History

In 1838, Eli Smith noted the place, called el-Kahhaleh, located in El-Ghurb el-Fokany; Upper el-Ghurb.[2]

Religion

Kahale has a predominantly Maronite Catholic population.

The village has three churches:

  • Mar Elias (مار الياس )
  • Our Lady (السيدة)
  • Mar Antonios (مار انطونيوس)

This in addition to Don Bosco monastery and school, and Saint Charbel Home for the elderly which is now closed.

References
  1. Kahhaleh, Localiban
  2. Robinson and Smith, 1841, vol 3, 2nd appendix, p. 191

Bibliography
  • Abi Khalil, Charbel. (1997). History of the Kahale. Beirut: The Arabic Press.
  • Robinson, E.; Smith, E. (1841). Biblical Researches in Palestine, Mount Sinai and Arabia Petraea: A Journal of Travels in the year 1838. Vol. 3. Boston: Crocker & Brewster.
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