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Old Zouk History
Situated 14 Km north of
Beirut, the town of Zouk Mikhael was named in reference to a Turkmen leader
who inhabited the area during the Mamluke era. It has acquired a name for
itself in recent times. Its renovated old market or "souk" has boosted its
touristic potential considerably. The souk's architecture has been preserved
to reflect the traditional Lebanese market and craft around the 19th and 20th
centuries.
Among the town's most
important features is the Old Souk of Zouk, which has been
rehabilitated and renovated in 1995. The souq has been transformed into a
pedestrian area surrounded by arcaded shops. Some of the shops were
transformed into restaurants and coffee shops, while others kept their
traditional ateliers which host an annual souq (market) for traditional
heritage products. In addition, the Mural of Lebanese Creators was established
in the old souq, and includes the figures of 15 Lebanese personalities
sculpted in stone.
Old Zouk Overview
Among Zouk Mikhael’s
most famous artisanal products are its textiles woven on traditional looms,
as well as its marzipan sweets made of almond and sugar dough. The town is
also home to a number of old monasteries and traditional heritage houses.
UNESCO chose the city of Zouk Mikhael from the Arab region as a City for
Peace in 1999, honoring the city's efforts to fight deprivation, poverty,
and security instability.
Information From the Ministry of
Tourism
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