Aanjar: Umayyad Urban Planning and Armenian Local History

Aanjar is best known for its archaeological city: an outstanding testament to Umayyad civilization and a unique example of 8th-century urban planning. Aanjar was founded during the Umayyad period, under Caliph Walid Ibn Abd Al-Malak (705–715). The area also has a local Armenian history and the Hima landscapes nearby.

Umayyad urban planning at the center

The Caliph’s Great Palace, a mosque, smaller palaces, and baths are distributed across different city quarters according to a set plan. Aanjar can therefore be understood not only through its individual buildings, but also through the layout of the entire complex. This interplay makes urban planning a particularly striking theme for anyone interested in historic cities: administrative buildings, religious architecture, and baths are part of a carefully designed whole. The ruins of Aanjar represent a city whose significance lies as much in its clear layout as in its Umayyad history.

Armenian local history and remembrance

Among the important churches in Aanjar is the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Boghos. Monuments also add their own distinctive features: the Mousadaghian Monument was completed in 1998, and a bust of Movses Der Malousdian was erected beside it. Another monument combines a sword and a cross in memory of the Armenian martyrs. A stone brought from Armenia was carved by an Armenian sculptor who came to Aanjar specifically for this purpose.

An old map of Aanjar’s first Armenian settlement, laid out in the shape of an eagle, shows houses and gardens, water sources, a church, shops, a public garden, and artisans. Residential areas, essential services, and communal spaces thus appear together in a historic view of the settlement. A description published in 2013 also mentions a cultural tour through the village of Aanjar to the Armenian settlement, as well as its handicrafts and culinary offerings.

At earlier Mousadaghian celebrations, the traditional dish was prepared in the wooded part of the village and then distributed. At an Armenian memorial celebration on September 14, the bishop blessed herisa and distributed the food to those attending. The night before, women prepared herisa in at least 40 pots over wood fires.

The Hima landscape nearby

The Hima zone between Aanjar, Majdel Aanjar, and Barelias includes freshwater springs, riparian habitats, agricultural land, and wetlands. In Hima Anjar, a two-hectare alluvial forest provides a habitat for the endangered otter and numerous bird species. This diverse landscape complements Aanjar’s archaeological and cultural character; the Hima is a distinct area nearby and should not be confused with the archaeological city.

A description published in 2013 mentions the “Water Course,” a long hike from the Anjar and Chamsine springs to the wetlands of the Anjar–Kfar Zabad Hima. It connects two specific landscape features: springs and wetlands. Another activity described is a cultural visit to Aanjar Castle, identified as a World Heritage Site; this description also dates from 2013.

The Bekaa as a broader travel destination

Within the broader travel destination of the Bekaa, Zahlé offers its own cultural highlight. The Festival of the Vine is traditionally held there every September; the program includes daily concerts, plays, readings, and art exhibitions over several weeks. Zahlé is also home to the bronze statue of the Virgin Mary in the tower of Our Lady of Zahlé and the Bekaa. It is nine meters tall and was created by the Italian artist Pierotti. For specific travel plans, check the dates for the relevant festival edition.

Choose a focus for your holiday apartment search

When searching for a holiday apartment, the focus you want for your stay can be a helpful starting point: are you most interested in Umayyad urban planning and Armenian local history, or would you also like to explore the Hima landscape and its wetlands? This can help you weigh up the themes of your trip without confusing the archaeological city with the surrounding landscape areas. Check current visitor and tour options for your travel dates, especially if you plan to take a hike or join a cultural activity described here.

For the broader travel overview: Bekaa.