Marmarita
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Marmarita (Arabic: مرمريتا) is a town located in Western Syria close to the governorate of Tartus but administratively belonging to the governorate of Homs, since 1953 as it was part of Latakia earlier. Marmarita is probably the largest town in the Wadi Al-Nasarah (Valley of Christians) region of Homs, it is also a very popular summer destination in Syria. It is situated close to the Krak des Chevaliers, or Qal'at El Ḥiṣn (قلعة الحصن), an important historic site and a popular tourist attraction.
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[edit] Etymology
All sources indicate that the current name of the town, Marmarita, is derived from the Syriac word Marmanitha, as this was evident in all religious and historical books and documents. What was explained in the Arabic Encyclopedia (by Dr. Ahmad Dawood) was wrong. The encyclopedia suggested that the name, Marmarita, was derived from the Syriac word Marmarato, which means god of gods, which has been mistakenly been viewed as the origin of the name Marmarita, even by the Syrian Television. Syriac speakers agree that the name Maramarita means a place that overlooks [another place], which is very reasonable as the town does overlook the Akkar plateau and the Mediterranean sea and Lebanese mountains. Roman Orthodox and Catholic references confirm that.
[edit] History
Marmarita is a town that is older than 500 years. The history of today's Marmarita begins from the early 17th century. Most of the town's first inhabitants had immigrated from Lebanon and Hauran. There is no evidence that the town of Marmarita is ancient. It has buildings built as early as the late 17th century and has many churches and uses modern ways of agriculture. Studies and evidence found have suggested that the town was destroyed sometime in the 6th century by a powerful volcanic eruption and it has been suggested that Phoenicians have lived in this village.
[edit] Old Marmarita
The old Marmarita (1600's) was inhabited by only four families and was surrounded by three churchs and churchyards, the St. John, St. Saba, and St. Boutros churches, which are located on the entrances to old Marmarita. Three valleys, which no longer exist, outline the town. Education, which has been available since then, and agriculture attracted many people from other towns.
[edit] Modern Marmarita
The ideal location and climate and the civilized people of Marmarita were the major reasons for establishing Marmarita as a popular summer destination for people living in nearby cities and tourists. Roses and flowers are of great importance in Marmarita, you can smell the lovely aroma of flowers anywhere in this town. Its roads are, although not well taken care of, very organized. In summer the weather is mild and it is usually sunny, while in winter rain falls heavily and snow does too occasionally. There are many houses and buildings, hospitals and clinics in the town and the region. Marmarita is also known for its advanced schools.
[edit] The Marmarita Annual Carnival
The Marmarita Carnival is very famous in Syria and Lebanon. Thousands attend it every year where people celebrate together and shows and processions of vehicles and dancers entertain the whole town. The Marmarita Carnival celebrated its 26th anniversary in summer 2006 and continues to grow. The performers of the carnival all volunteer to do so.
[edit] Demographics
Marmarita's population isn't steady, it is always changing. In winter the population decreases to 4,000 - 5,000 inhabitants, while in summer the population jumps to more than 25,000 inhabitants, as most of the inhabitants live and work in cities and only live there in summer. The number of Marmarita immigrants is huge. Most immigrants live in the United States of America followed by Australia. West Europe has the 3rd most immigrants from Marmarita followed by Africa. Almost all of the people of Marmarita are Christians, like most villages in the area.
[edit] References
- Marmarita information, Dai'tna. Retrieved on 29 November 2006.
