OUR SHARED HISTORY
Our town is Markabta, a village in the Miniyeh-Danniyeh District of North Lebanon. It sits at an elevation of 250 meters above sea level and covers an area of approximately seven square kilometres. It is almost certain that the current inhabitants’ history in the village does not exceed three centuries. Its temperate climate made it a gathering hub for shepherds and farmers who left the high mountains (the Jurd) to settle there, primarily for the availability of irrigation water (known today as the village spring). To this day, kinship ties exist with families bearing the same names in the Danniyeh region and neighbouring villages.
History and Agriculture
The inhabitants first settled near the spring to utilize its water for their livestock and household needs, building homes in close proximity to one another. Life relied on animal husbandry and various types of agriculture. Our town was most famous for wheat farming using primitive methods involving oxen and horses.
During harvest time, we practiced “Al-Awnah” (communal help); a group of people would gather to work in one person’s field, and upon finishing, they would move to the next, and so on. Later, this was replaced by the cultivation of olives, almonds, green plums (Janarek), and apricots, utilizing modern machinery.
Faith and Education
Our town belongs to the Antiochian Orthodox Christian denomination. Construction of our church—built from the town’s own rocks using traditional methods—began in 1921 through the cooperation of its people. It was expanded in the year 2000, and a church association was established.
Formal education began about 80 years ago, initially under the shade of trees before moving to rented rooms in private homes. In the 1990s, the current school was built, accommodating students up to the secondary level, with most teachers and students hailing from the village. The town was also a destination for traditional medical treatments, which eventually evolved into modern medicine as local sons became doctors. It was also a hub for various liberal professions.
Social Life and Traditions
A social club was founded in 1968 and remains active today. Together with the church association, they organize social, cultural, religious, and recreational activities that unite the townspeople.
Most importantly, in times of joy or sorrow, everyone participates in every detail—from hospitality to arranging seating. Residents living on the outskirts or working their land would learn of a passing when the church bell tolled in a specific mournful rhythm. For weddings, members of the bride and groom’s families would visit every home in the village on foot to invite them, sometimes accompanied by the beating of drums. While some of this has changed in the age of social media, the spirit remains.
Governance and Modern Achievement
Today, the town has a municipal council and two Mukhtars (village heads) who manage its affairs within their means given the current circumstances in Lebanon. Markabta is a model village—well-known, loving, and open-minded, especially toward neighbouring towns. Its people have an excellent reputation for chivalry (Nakhwa). They constantly urge the younger generation to preserve our customs and cooperate for the town’s best interest. In difficult times, they are self-reliant in solving their problems.
All of Markabta’s youth today are educated, many holding advanced degrees or owning businesses. Notably, two years ago, a son of Markabta was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon, the highest state position for the Greek Orthodox community. Many others serve in the military and security forces, and the town has honoured martyrs who fell during Lebanon’s difficult security periods.
The Diaspora in Australia
The current population is approximately 2,300 people, split between residents in Lebanon and those abroad. Large-scale migration to Australia began around 1969. While it started with a few individuals who would return to the village to marry, the community in Australia has grown to about 700 people.
They remain in constant contact with their hometown, preserving their customs and succeeding in their businesses and families. We are proud of this “yeast” (heritage) wherever we are. Today, even in Australia, our town is with us, and we are with it.
The effort that began months ago to establish the Markabta Association in Australia is the greatest proof of the diaspora’s deep connection and love for their village. We are confident that the people of Markabta in Australia will remain united for their own good and continue to support and help their hometown.