Deir al-Ashayer

Deir al-Ashayer (Arabic: دير العشائر) is a village located in the Rashaya District of the Beqaa Governorate in Lebanon. It lies near the Lebanon–Syria border, adjacent to a Syrian village with a similar name, Deir al-Ashayer (also known locally as Mazraat Deir al-Ashayer). The two villages are closely connected through social, economic, and historical ties, despite belonging to different countries. The Lebanese village has a municipal council made up of nine members, and a town mayor.

Residents rely on farming as a main source of income, especially grapes, fruit and wheat. Residents also raise and herd sheep and cows, which have been a good source of milk. Farmers in the village have had difficulty selling their products in modern times. Deir al-Ashayer has a number of local springs, including Ain Halalweh, Ain Shayeb, Ain Rouk, Ain Dibb. The village was once known by the name Deir Mar Sema’an, owing to the Monastery of Saint Simon, known locally as Al Borj, said to have been built by the Romans for preaching, religious ceremonies and practices by disciples of Saint Simon the Baptist.

The monastery having been a stronghold for the students, enabling them to expand their teaching in...