Marjaayoun: Nature and Cultural Heritage in the Caza of Marjayoûn

The Caza of Marjayoûn brings together landscape and cultural heritage themes with a clear focus on nature. Nature-related highlights range from the bird habitats of Hima Ebel El Saqi to fertile plains and waterways; archaeological sites and historic places complete the picture.

Nature and Birdlife

Hima Ebel El Saqi is designated as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International and as a Hima. Its habitats include a pine forest, scrubland and a rocky outcrop, the Hasbani River ecotone, fields along the Hasbani, and an olive grove. The connection between specific habitat types and the bird species found there brings the natural side of the Caza of Marjayoûn to life.

The pine forest has a limited diversity of native tree species and provides shelter for Levant sparrowhawks and short-toed eagles. The scrubland and rocky outcrop have low floral biodiversity and provide habitat for long-eared owls and Egyptian vultures. The Hasbani River ecotone is home to black-crowned night herons, water rails and cranes; the fields along the Hasbani offer refuge to migrating white storks and song thrushes. Sardinian warblers and Syrian serins live in the olive grove. Common kestrels, Montagu’s harriers and Orphean warblers use Hima Ebel El Saqi as a stopover site.

An ecotone is a transition zone between different habitats. The Hasbani River ecotone thus adds a distinct natural area to the forest, scrubland, rocky outcrop, field and olive grove themes. The olive grove is also associated with traditional olive cultivation, adding an agricultural perspective to the natural setting.

Landscapes in the Caza of Marjayoûn

The Caza of Marjayoûn is known for its fertile plains, which are crossed by the Litani. The Litani and its tributaries are among the waterways in the Caza; the Houjeir and Ed Dardara springs are also located there. Wadi El Houjair is part of the same landscape, running alongside a secondary road and designated as a nature reserve.

The waterways and springs represent different aspects of the landscape: the Litani crosses the fertile plains, while Houjeir and Ed Dardara are distinct geographical landmarks as springs. Wadi El Houjair adds another dimension as a designated nature reserve.

Regional Perspective: Nabatiyeh

In the wider destination of Nabatiyeh, the geographical scope is broader: Wadi al-Hujair Nature Reserve extends across the districts of Nabatiyeh, Bint Jbeil and Marjayoun. The Nabatiyeh District, the administrative center of Nabatiyeh Governorate, is known for its annual Ashura commemorations. These commemorations are a recurring regional event; if you would like to include Ashura in your travel plans, check the specific dates in advance.

Culture and History

In Marjaayoun, archaeological sites dating from the Phoenician, Roman and Crusader periods are located near the PRI 062 road. In the village of Khyem, a museum is among the Caza’s archaeological sites. Qlaiaa has an old fortress and an old monastery; Deir Mimas has an old shrine and caves. The historical heritage thus encompasses both archaeological periods and a variety of built and religious sites.

In Ebel El Saqi, Bait Al Fallah (“House of the Farmer”) serves as a folklore museum and showcases the area’s traditional agricultural heritage. The museum complements the archaeological and historical themes with a perspective on agricultural tradition.

Discover more destinations: Chiyam, Ebel Es Saqi.

Go to the wider travel overview: Nabatiyeh.