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Anjar is a unique archaeological site of Lebanon. Located about 58 km away from Beirut this historical place reveals the remaining sites of the Umayyad culture. The history of this place can be traced back to 8th century AD. Anjar had glorious history. Therefore the remnants of Arab history disclose itself in Anjar.
The other importance of Anjar of Lebanon is that it is the only island that is a major commercial center of Lebanon. Trade routes along Damascus, Homs, Baalbeck all have contributed to the development of the city of Anjar. The ruins lying amidst the richest agricultural land speaks of the golden days of Anjar. The name of the place comes from the Arabic word Ain Gerrha meaning “the source of Gerrha”. This is the name of an ancient city which was found in the Hellenistic times.
The natural beauty of Anjar in Lebanon is also worth exploring. The Anti-Lebanon Mountains set the backdrop of the city. The Umayyad dynasty ruled the Anjar from Damascus. The credit of the great Arab conquest lies with them. The Islamic empire that stretched from the Indus Valley to Southern France was a result of this conquest.
The prosperous empire crossed 100 years because of their efficient administration. The Abbasids were responsible for the down fall of the Umayyads. The city was built between 705 and 7125 Ad by Walid 1, the son of Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. The archaeologists were more interested in the information (of all the ages of Arab history) that the sites provide rather than the sites themselves. The remaining sites of Anjar include Palace I, Palace II, Palace III, the public bath, the Mosque and the residential area.
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