The Businessman Who Illuminated the Ottoman History of Jabal Amel: A Visionary Dedication
Kassem Hejeij
The story of the author of The Ottoman History of Jabal Amel reads like a chapter from the books of great visionaries. He is not just a meticulous historian but also a successful businessman who chose to leave the world of wealth and commerce behind to illuminate the history of a region deeply intertwined with civilizations, religions, and conflicts—Jabal Amel.
This book, the result of years of relentless effort, reflects the author’s vision of presenting a rich and intricate history in a comprehensive and systematic manner. It is not merely a dry narration of events but a deep dive into details, blending precise documentation with an expansive analysis of historical, social, and political contexts.
From Business to Historiography: A Bold and Unique Decision
The author, who spent decades in Africa as one of the most successful businessmen, made a pivotal decision to leave everything behind. He abandoned a world filled with challenges and financial rewards to dedicate his life to writing history and reviving the oral heritage of Jabal Amel.
This decision was far from ordinary. It required him to renounce a life of luxury and international travel to settle in his beloved village of Deir Antar in southern Lebanon—a place he cherished as much as he loved Jabal Amel itself. According to researcher Moussa Yassin, "He is a man who loved his village and Jabal Amel so deeply that he left all the continents of the world to settle in southern Lebanon, despite owning palaces and estates in Europe and America."
Reviving Oral Heritage: A Mission to Save It from Oblivion
One of the author’s greatest achievements was not merely documenting historical events but enriching his work with oral traditions. He collected popular proverbs and folklore that had been passed down through generations, saving them from the risk of being lost in the digital age.
This endeavor was not just about documentation; it was a courageous attempt to preserve the memory of ancestors for future generations. The book stands as a vital reference for anyone seeking to understand Jabal Amel—not just as a land with a past but as a deeply rooted cultural identity.
Precision and Depth: A Commendable Methodology
What sets The Ottoman History of Jabal Amel apart is the author’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. He relied on multiple sources, making his work akin to an encyclopedia that covers every aspect of life in Jabal Amel during the Ottoman period.
He explored political, administrative, and social transformations.
He shed light on local leaderships and internal and external conflicts.
He meticulously documented agricultural and industrial economies, as well as the crucial roles of Sidon and Tyre’s ports in trade movements.
This depth of analysis goes beyond storytelling; it allows readers to immerse themselves in that era and grasp its complexities with clarity.
A Historian with a Deep Love for His Homeland
Beyond being a historian or businessman, the author emerges as a person with a profound love for Jabal Amel and his village, Deir Antar. He gave up luxury in Europe and America to live among his people, becoming both a witness to and a guardian of his region’s history. Such sacrifice reveals an extraordinary character with a deep sense of responsibility toward his land and people.
An Enduring Legacy
Thanks to this book, the memory of Jabal Amel is no longer confined to oral traditions that risk fading with time. Instead, it has been solidified into a written legacy that will serve researchers, historians, and future generations.
This remarkable work is proof that true patriotism can manifest in various forms, and one of the most significant is preserving history and rescuing heritage.
Conclusion
The Ottoman History of Jabal Amel is more than a historical account; it is a testament to how love for ones homeland can inspire extraordinary achievements. The author is not just a successful businessman or an accomplished historian—he is a symbol of loyalty to his land and people. His dedication to preserving Jabal Amel’s history ensures that his name will remain engraved in the minds of all who read this great work.
If a nation’s greatness is measured by the achievements of its people, then the author has given his homeland the greatest gift possible: a history to be read and a civilization never to be forgotten.
