| Native Name: | ܕܝܪܐ ܥܘܙܐ مزرعة السياد |
| Pushpin Map: | Lebanon |
| Pushpin Label Position: | bottom |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Lebanon |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Type1: | Governorate |
| Subdivision Name1: | Keserwan-Jbeil |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Byblos |
| Leader Title: | Mayor |
| Leader Name: | Robert Tony Gharios |
| Area Total Km2: | 7.91 |
| Utc Offset: | +2 |
| Timezone Dst: | EEST |
| Utc Offset Dst: | +3 |
| Coordinates: | 34.1042°N 35.8597°W |
| Elevation Max M: | 1,250 |
| Postal Code Type: | Postcode |
| Timezone1: | EET |
| Mazraat es-Siyyed | |
Mazraat es-Siyad (; also transliterated Mazraet es-Siyed, Mazraet el-Siyed, pronounced as /ar/)[1] is a mountainous village in the highlands of the Byblos District in the Keserwan-Jbeil Governorate, Lebanon. The town is 58km (36miles) away from Beirut, and stands at an elevation of 1250m (4,100feet) above sea level.[2]
The area where the village stands was known as Deir ʿaouza, meaning “The Highest Monastery” or "Monastery of Strength" in reference to the village’s ancient Maronite monastery situated high up in the mountainous village.[3] [4]
During the Mamluk era (13th–15th century), local chieftain Sheikh Nawfal Ibrahim El-Khoury bestowed the ruins of the monastery to an ancestor of Al-Husseini family, Sayyid Hussein al-Husseini. Al-Husseini is said to be the first person to reside in the abandoned area after he had restored the monastery. The village is mentioned in Tannus al-Shidiaq's 1859 Akhbar al-a'yan fi Jabal Lubnan (The History of the Notables in Mount Lebanon) as part of the Muqata'aof Jebbet al-Mnaitra in the Mu’amala of Tripoli, a then subdivision of Mount Lebanon. During the Mutasarrifate (1861–1918), the village was administratively part of the Mnaitra mudiriyah, within the kaza of Kesserwan.[5] [6] [7]
Mazraat es-Siyyad is located in the Byblos District in the Mount Lebanon Governorate. It is 58 kilometers north of the capital Beirut. It spans an area of 6.65sqkm and stands at an altitude of 1250m (4,100feet) above sea level. The municipal area of Mazraat es-Siyad includes the hamlets of Abboud, Mazraat er-Rmeileh, and Sharbineh.[8]
Mazraat es-Siyad translates to "Farm of the Siyyad" from Arabic, in reference to Siyyad an attribute of the al-Husseini family. The Siyyad (Masters) are Shia Muslims recognized as descendants of the prophet Muhammad through his grandsons, Hasan and Husayn ibn Ali.[9] The hamlet of Abboud is named after Abboud Gharios Ouais, a forefather of the Gharios family, and Mazraat er-Rmeileh is so named after the nature of the terrain which is composed of sandstone.
The population lives in a total of 220 houses in the town. There were 1,250 voters from Mazraat es-Siyad registered in 2005. The population is predominantly Maronite and Shia. The largest families in order of size according to the 2014 election records are Al-Husseini, Karkaba, Gharios, Obeid, Acar, Zaarour, Barakat, Bou Salman, Karam, Ziadé, Medawar, and El-Khoury.[10] [2]
Mazraat es-Siyad municipality was established in 2004.[11] [12] The municipal council currently has twelve members.[2] In addition to the municipal council, Mazraat es-Siyad has a three-member mayoral council headed by a mukhtar (headman).[2]
Agriculture, namely pomology is the main economic activity in the Byblos highlands. Mazraet es-Siyad has many natural water sources, fertile soil and arable land. Residents also depend on permanent jobs, as there are 15 small commercial and industrial companies, in addition to two hotels, the Shangri-La and the Monte Carlo.[2]
Mazraet es-Siyad has numerous ancient archaeological relics, such as the remains of old vernacular houses, rock cut wine presses, and historical religious buildings. The town's main sites are Mar Abda (Saint Abdas) Church, a Maronite church founded in 1708 by the Gharios family. Mar Abda was significantly expanded during later centuries. The Mazra’at As-Siyyad Mosque, a historical Shia Muslim mosque built in line with a decision by Mutasarrıf Wasa Pasha (ruled 1883–1892). Saydet an-Najat (Our Lady of Salvation), the town's second Maronite Church. The two churches are located at the opposite sides of the glen that bisects the town.
El-Mathkoube is a natural cavern located at an altitude of 1690m (5,550feet) above sea level in the upper reaches of the town. Its name describes its unique feature—a large opening in its ceiling, approximately 15m (49feet) high. This hole allows snow to accumulate inside the cave, where it persists for extended periods, often lasting until the summer months. Historically, locals made use of this natural refrigeration. The cave attracts mountain climbers and hiking enthusiasts, and is occasionally used as a shelter for livestock.[13]
Mazraat es-Siyad celebrates the Feast of the Lady of Salvation (Saydet an-Najat) on 8 September, and Saint Abdas on 31 August with traditional dinners and festivities.