ANFEH
(THE ANCIENT CITY)
A
Fishing Village On A Historic Site On The Mediterranean Coast
ANFEH: Is a small fishing town on the Coast Of North Lebanon built around the ruins of several short-lived cities going back to the Pre-Phoenician Period.
It's
located 65 km from Beirut, about 15 km before Tripoli. Natural
dwelling caves abound on the surroundin
(Hill Of
Al-Gheer) ,the
original city lies on a small Near-Island about half a kilometer
into the sea. It's outstanding feature is that is the only town
through-out the eastern coast of the Mediterranean to be carved
out of it's rocky surroundings.
Is a place of great interest to those willing to do a little walking and investigating. This is the site of (AMPI) mentioned in 14 Century B.C. (Tell Al Amarina Letters) and the (NEPHIN) of the Crusader Period where a formidable Crusader castle once stood. A 100-Meter-Long moat with a rocky spur that supported the castle drawbridge cuts the peninsula into 2 sections. the Island section is covered with interesting rock-cut tombs, olive presses, salt pans and the remains of the Crusader castle it self.
Anfeh
harbors a number of Ancient Churches, the oldest of which
contains remnants of it's original Byzantine frescoes, it's
rather poetically called
(Saydet - El - Reeh) or
(Our Lady Of The
Wind).
Three seaside Churches should be visited (Our Lady Of The Wind) is a tiny ruined structure with remains of Crusader Period wall paintings. one can see 2 mounted Saints George & Demetrios the figure of Christ in Majesty, 2 Evangelists, more Saints and large figure of the Virgin Calming The Stormy Sea.
(Sainte
Catherine) is another lovely Crusader Period
church still serving Anfeh's Greek Orthodox Community, next to it
is the twin 17th - 18th century church of
(Saint
Simon) & (Saint Michael). Here you
can see the Jars that were incorporated into the ceiling to
absorb and reduce echoes.
Another
ancient baptist Church is (Saint John),
which is
surrounded with some curious rock cuttings. Also in Anfeh is
Lebanon's sole surviving romanesque Church which was built by the
Crusaders.
The biggest church in Anfeh is (St.
George's Church).
Also in Anfeh is Lebanon's sole surviving Romanesque Church which was built by the Crusaders. Large numbers of Presses and Jars of i wide range of styles and origins, made of clay, have been found both inland and under water and continue to be discovered to this day. According to archeologists, they are evidence of Enfeh's once pre-eminent manufacturing and commercial position.
Well, preserved scenery and always Cristal-Water. At one end of the Creek, lies popular Beach (Taht - l - Reeh) or (Beneath The Wind) a choice location for divers and lovers of the Beaches. Anglers can often be seen on Sundays and Holidays; they are attracted to the large terraces sheltering under water species feeding on the sea weed and attracting large numbers of fish, making up a richly varied ecosystem.
The
rare and colorful kingfisher,
(Alcedo
Atthis), can occasionally be sighted flying
over the rocks feeding on fish. From the grass in the
undergrowth, the women of Anfeh gather (The Sea Herb) with yellow
flowers,
(Crythmum Maritimum), whose
leaves pickled in vinegar provide a popular condiment.
The Salt Marshes: Along the length of the bay, the salt marshes add a typically picturesque note to the landscape, especially in places with the traditional wind wheel which pumps sea-water better than the noisy and polluting diesel engines! The production of Sea salt is a staple of the local economy. (White Gold) as it's called, provides for an inexhaustible natural resource which can thus be extracted without endangering the environment.
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Sea
Fishing: Of Anfeh's 7,000 inhabitants, 300 practice fishing on a regular or
seasonal basis. The main street (Fish Market) is abuzz with the
comings and goings of customers choosing their from the village's
five fishmongers.
The 77 Full-Time fisherman own their boats for whose maintenance
they are responsible. One of them uses traditional skills for
repairing the boats and acts as a carpentry, mechanics and
paintwork factotum.
Ras Al
Natour: This cape lies
opposite the Anfeh peninsula; it's seabed consists of underwater
meadows of great biological wealth, making it's shore a much
sought-after area for fishermen because of the great variety of
fish to be found.
The convent of (Our
Lady of Al-Natour),built by the
Crusaders on Byzantine ruins, stands on the cape, it's surrounded
by large fields of the myrtle Myrtus Ugni, a nearly extinct
plan on the Lebanese Coast.
Port Of Nuhaireh:
The Port Of Nuhaireh
Fishing boats have
long sought shelter in this natural harbour in bad weather
conditions. it's now equipped with quays and supplied with
electricity.
With some 100 fishing boats currently pulling in, the harbour has
become too narrow.
In order to accommodate more boats, it would be desirable to
increase the size of the harbour and to make plans for additional
facilities.
The
Anfeh Creek: Lying between the
port of Nuhaireh and the archeological peninsula,
the Creek consists of a lovely rocky shore shaped as a perfect
semi-circle at whose bottom lie a number of sandy underwater
caves. It has become a haven for walkers and swimmers who are
drawn to its well preserved scenery and always crystal-clear
water.
Expert
have recognized Anfeh's unique character and the need to preserve
its
(Highly Appreciable Environment). The
seabed, with its fluctuating luminosity, temperature and clarity,
its currents and substrate at different levels, makes for a rich
and varied marine life, particularly its fish species.
The creation of a reserve, far from threatening existing fishing
activity would on the contrary guarantee their long-term source
of income based on the protection of this ecosystem.