Chapter One: Jabal Amel – Geography, History, and Religion (From Antiquity to the Modern Era)
Prepared by the Ameli Historian Kassem Hejeij
Geographical Location, Naming, and Environmental Diversity
Geographical Location
Jabal Amel, located in southern Lebanon, is a vital part of a region with a rich history that spans from ancient times to the present day. It is bordered by the Litani River to the north, the Palestinian borders to the south, the Mediterranean Sea to the west—which has provided the region with an important maritime outlet—and the plains extending to the Bekaa Valley and the Lebanon Mountain range to the east.
This strategic geographical position made Jabal Amel a crossroads for various civilizations. It served as a gateway linking the Levant with Palestine, and through its Mediterranean ports, it played a significant role in maritime trade with other Mediterranean nations, including Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt.
Origin of the Name
The name "Jabal Amel" is linked to the ancient Arab tribe of "Amela," which belonged to the Kindah lineage. This tribe migrated from Yemen after the collapse of the Marib Dam and settled in the southern Levant. The Amela tribe was known for its bravery and independence, and it emerged as a dominant force during the Islamic conquests.
Islamic historical sources, such as Mujam al-Buldan by Yaqut al-Hamawi, indicate that the Amela tribe was among the first groups to contribute to the spread of Islam in the Levant. The name "Jabal Amel" reflects the tribe’s role in shaping the local identity, which remained influenced by its tribal heritage well into the modern era.
Environmental and Geographical Diversity
Varied Terrain
Jabal Amel is characterized by its diverse topography, ranging from rugged mountains to fertile plains. This variation in the landscape influenced the regions economy and society, as residents relied on agriculture in the plains while using the mountains as natural fortresses for defense against invaders.
Agriculture and Water Resources
The region has been historically known for tobacco cultivation, a crop that has been associated with Jabal Amel since the Ottoman era. In addition to tobacco, wheat, olives, and vineyards are cultivated, benefiting from the abundant water provided by natural springs and the Litani River.
Strategic Importance
The geographical nature of Jabal Amel made it a safe haven for local populations during periods of invasion. Its mountainous terrain served as a defensive stronghold against aggressors ranging from Alexander the Great to the Crusaders and the Ottoman occupation.
The Historical Significance of Jabal Amel
Major Events and Historical Figures
Cana of Galilee and the Miracle of Christ
Cana, one of the most significant towns in Jabal Amel, is traditionally believed to be the site of Jesus Christ’s first miracle, where he turned water into wine at a wedding feast, as recorded in the Gospels. This event established Cana as an important religious landmark, and it continued to hold spiritual significance throughout history.
Christian pilgrims frequently visited Cana, particularly during the Byzantine period when Christianity became the official religion of the empire. The remains of ancient churches in the area testify to Cana’s enduring religious importance.
Alexander the Great and the Siege of Tyre
In 332 BCE, Alexander the Great fought one of his most challenging battles during his siege of Tyre, a major Phoenician trade center. He relied on Jabal Amel for raw materials and supplies, utilizing its dense forests to construct ships and maritime bridges that aided in breaching Tyre’s defenses.
Although Alexander ultimately succeeded, the people of Jabal Amel played a role in supporting the besieged Tyrians, prompting Alexander to impose punitive measures on the surrounding regions.
The Crusaders and Jabal Amel
During the Crusades (1096–1291), the region was caught in the midst of military campaigns aimed at controlling the Holy Land. The Crusaders built numerous fortresses in Jabal Amel, including the notable Beaufort Castle (Qal’at al-Shaqif) and Tebnine Fortress.
However, Crusader control was met with fierce local resistance. The inhabitants of Jabal Amel engaged in guerrilla warfare, utilizing their knowledge of the mountainous terrain to push back against foreign forces. This resistance helped preserve the region’s independence despite the Crusaders’ influence along the coast.
The Exile of Abu Dharr al-Ghifari
Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, a well-known companion of Prophet Muhammad and a staunch advocate against corruption, was exiled to Mais al-Jabal in Jabal Amel during the reign of Caliph Uthman ibn Affan. During his exile, he lived among the local population, inspiring them with his revolutionary ideas and Islamic teachings.
The Religious History of Jabal Amel
Christianity in Jabal Amel
Early Christian Period
Jabal Amel was part of the territories traversed by early apostles during the spread of Christianity. Their influence helped establish a strong Christian presence, leading to the construction of numerous churches, the remnants of which still stand today.
Religious Conflicts
During the Islamic conquests, Christians in Jabal Amel continued practicing their faith under the dhimma system, which granted them protection in exchange for paying the jizya tax. However, religious tensions occasionally flared, particularly during later historical periods marked by sectarian strife.
Christian Revival in the Modern Era
In the 20th century, Christians in Jabal Amel experienced a cultural renaissance, particularly under the French Mandate, which supported their educational institutions. Many prominent Christian figures emerged from the region, contributing to religious and cultural life.
Islam in Jabal Amel
The Spread of Islam and Shi’ism
Following the Islamic conquests, Islam gradually took root in Jabal Amel. Thanks to the scholarly efforts of local clerics, the region became a stronghold of Shi’a Islam. The rise of Shi’ism accelerated during the Fatimid era, as many Shi’a scholars migrated to Jabal Amel, solidifying its identity as a center of Shi’a thought.
Jabal Amel’s Islamic Scholars
During the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, Jabal Amel became home to renowned religious scholars. Among them were Shahid al-Awwal (Muhammad ibn Makki) and Shahid al-Thani (Zayn al-Din al-Jubai), both of whom played pivotal roles in shaping Shi’a jurisprudence.
Under Ottoman Rule
The Ottomans governed Jabal Amel through local leaders, such as the Ali al-Saghir family, who managed to maintain a degree of administrative autonomy.
Nasif al-Nassar and His Historical Role
Alliance with Zahir al-Umar
Nasif al-Nassar, the leader of the Ali al-Saghir clan, allied with Zahir al-Umar, the ruler of Palestine, to resist Ottoman dominance. This alliance formed a strong regional front that disrupted Ottoman control in the area.
The Battle of Yaroun
In 1781, Ahmad Pasha al-Jazzar, the Ottoman governor of Sidon, launched a military campaign against Nasif al-Nassar. The battle culminated in Nasif’s death, marking the decline of Jabal Amel’s semi-independence.
Jabal Amel’s Regional Relations
With Palestine
The geographical proximity fostered strong trade and cultural ties between Jabal Amel and Palestine, and political cooperation often emerged between their leaders.
With the Levant (Syria)
Trade routes and intellectual exchange connected Jabal Amel with major Syrian cities like Damascus, where Ameli scholars actively participated in scholarly circles.
With Sidon and Beirut
Sidon: Historically a key trade hub for Jabal Amel, exporting its products through its port.
Beirut: Later became a major migration destination, strengthening cultural and social ties.
Conclusion
From Cana’s biblical significance to Nasif al-Nassar’s resistance against the Ottomans, Jabal Amel’s history is a testament to resilience and cultural richness. Its geography, religious heritage, and political struggles have shaped it into a pivotal region in Levantine history.
