22 August 2008

BEIRUT: The Northern mountainous town of Douma will host on Monday the Ghada ma Atyab Lubnan (Delicacies from Lebanon) event as part of the Food and Feast 2008 festival organized by the United Nations Development Program and Souk al-Tayeb.

With common goals of promoting co-existence, preserving Lebanese heritage and enhancing a better understanding of the "other," the UNDP joined Food and Feast (Akl w Eid) organizers Souk al-Tayeb in April 2008 to hold a year-long series of events across the country aimed at celebrating national diversity and promoting peaceful reconciliation among Lebanese.

The Food and Feast 2008, which is being organized with the support of national counterparts, farmer's cooperatives and civil society organizations, started with Lawz al-Zouk (Almonds of al-Zouk) on April 13, 2008, in Zouk Mkayel; followed by Ghada al-Kroum (Vineyard Lunch) at Massaya's Taanayel property in the Bekaa valley on May 1; Tabbouleh Btijmaana (Tabbouleh Unites Us) at the Garden Show, Beirut Hippodrome on June 14 and Samak Loubnan (Fish of Lebanon) in Batroun on June 29, Fakihat Lubnan (Fruits of Lebanon) on August 3, 2008, in Ramlieh, Aley.

Nestled in the midst of scenic mountains in North Lebanon and surrounded by olive groves and apple orchards, Douma is an idyllic town 30 kilometers from Batroun. It is home to several bird species, wild animals and has spectacular views of gorges, several trekking and biking trails, as well as camp sites. Rich in Lebanese heritage, Douma used to be a major center for traders a century ago; visitors used to travel to Douma on horseback to buy apples and Um al-Halkoun, a locally made sweet.

The sixth Food and Feast event, Ghada Ma Atyab Loubnan will be held in the once-flourishing old souk that is characterized by shops dating back to the last century, surrounding red-roofed houses and century-old churches.

"By using food as a reflection of Lebanese heritage, the Food and Feast Festival 2008 aims to highlight the deepest values of those living in Lebanon today, exposing local identity groups to the different existing historical and cultural identities, heritage sites and diverse food traditions, with the primary aim of bringing to light what it means to be Lebanese," a UNDP statement issued on Thursday said.

"The fifteen events, which will take place in selected areas spanning the country, from Beirut, to Tyre in the South and Ehden in the North, will celebrate the traditions, arts and crafts and food specialties unique to those areas," it added.

Since its launch in 2004, the Souk al-Tayeb, which uses food as a tool to promote national identity and culture, has been expanding its activities to include food competitions of traditional Lebanese dishes, activities for children and adults, pottery and art exhibitions, as well as book fairs in periodic events across the country. Along with the already established Saifi market in Downtown Beirut, Souk al-Tayeb recently launched weekly markets in Tripoli and Zouk Mkayel, in collaboration with local municipalities.

Recognizing that an awareness of national heritage and culture, as well as a better understanding of the "other" are catalysts to promoting co-existence, inter-communal exchange and reconciliation in Lebanon, the UNDP, through its Peace Building Project, aims to nurture social harmony, encourage multi stakeholder dialogue and empower civil society to play a more active role in the peace process.

Douma, which was famous for iron and weapon making, silk and cotton spinning and a flourishing clothing industry is home to several ancient remnants: in the town square is a 4th century sarcophagus and other ancient remains are set in the walls of the churches of Mar Doumit and Mar Shaleeta. In addition, mill stones and oil presses from late Roman and Byzantine times are dotted around the village.

At the entrance of the town is a sign that reads "Welcome to Douma-Dignes-les Bains" a tribute to the likeness of the towns, one tucked away in the mountains of North Lebanon, while the other is located 135 kilometers from Cannes. This marriage of towns was proclaimed in 1984 by the Mayor of Digne les Bains who visited Douma.

On August 23, 2008, at Ghada Ma Atyab Loubnan, local Lebanese products from various areas of the country will be marketed in an effort to enhance inter-communal exchange by bringing people together from different areas over food. Local cooperatives from the North of Lebanon and Southern Suburbs of Beirut will be provided with stalls to sell their homemade produce, vegetables, mouneh (traditionally preserved food), fruit-related products, spices and other items indigenous to their respective areas.

The event in Douma will also feature a festive lunch comprising food specialties from all over Lebanon, bringing together farmers and the best produce from these regions. Visitors to the event can also enjoy the cultural and national heritage through music, traditional food competitions, entertainment and hiking activities with their families.

"The activity will provide producers and residents of these areas with the opportunity to visit Douma and surrounding areas in an effort to encourage inter-community exchange, promote inter-regional dialogue, a better understanding of Lebanese inter-regional traditions and hence a better understanding of the 'other,'" the UNDP statement said.

The next Food and Feast 2008 event will be held in Maaser al-Shouf on Sunday September 14, 2008. - The Daily Star

Copyright The Daily Star 2008.