Kahale (Arabic: الكحالة, romanized: al-Kaḥāleh), is a mountain village in the district of Aley (Caza Aley), Lebanon, situated 13 km from Beirut. The population is estimated to be around 11,000 residents, with the majority being Maronite Catholic.[1]
Geography
Considering the locale and geography of the Kahale this name is suited well. A valley extends from the Sh'har west side of the Kahale into the Rjoum, eastern side of the Kahale.
History
In 1838, Eli Smith noted the place, called el-Kahhaleh, located in El-Ghurb el-Fokany; Upper el-Ghurb.[2]
Religion
Kahale has a predominantly Maronite Catholic population.
The village has three churches:
- Mar Elias (مار الياس )
- Our Lady (السيدة)
- Mar Antonios (مار انطونيوس)
This in addition to Don Bosco monastery and school, and Saint Charbel Home for the elderly which is now closed.
References
- 1."التوزيع حسب المذاهب للناخبين/ناخبات في بلدة الكحاله، قضاء عاليه محافظة جبل لبنان في لبنان" [Distribution of voters by sect in the town of Kahaleh, Aley District, Mount Lebanon Governorate, Lebanon]. Lub-anan (in Arabic). Retrieved 16 September 2024.
- 2.Robinson and Smith, 1841, vol 3, 2nd appendix, p. 191