Learn Lebanese Arabic with weekly transcribed podcasts exploring Lebanon and its people | تعلم اللغة العربية باللهجة اللبنانية مع البودكاست الأسبوعي والمكتوب الذي يعرفك على لبنان وشعبه
Rail transport began in Lebanon in the 1890s while it was part of the Ottoman Empire. Over time, rail lines were built along the entire length of the Lebanese coastline. Additional tracks ran east across the country connecting Beirut and the Syrian capital Damascus. The rail system operated for close to a hundred years but … Continue reading Episode 50 – Lebanon’s defunct train system
Sampling the street food of a city is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city's culture. In this episode, we go on a food adventure with our host Naim to Tripoli in northern Lebanon. Tripoli is famous for its ancient history, bazaars, artisans, and traditional handmade soap. Another special aspect of the … Continue reading Episode 37 – Street food in Tripoli
In the heart of Beirut along one of its most important avenues is a yellow building that was situated on a major front line of Lebanon's 15-year civil war that ended in 1990. The families that lived in the building fled when the war broke out and warring factions fought to control the building due … Continue reading Episode 33 – Beit Beirut
When Moussa Abdel Karim Al Maamari was a young boy he had a crush on a girl. She said she was not interested in him because he was poor and she was rich and lived in castle. So, Moussa began daydreaming of building a castle. One day, while in school, Moussa’s teacher got irate at … Continue reading Episode 28 – Moussa Castle
Rabbit Island (which is also called Palm Island) is the largest island in an archipelago off the coast of Tripoli in north Lebanon. The island is part of an ecologically important nature preserve called the Palm Islands Nature Reserve. These islands are home to endangered animals such as green turtles and monk seals. About 150 … Continue reading Episode 26 – Trip to Rabbit Island
Olives hold a significant role in Lebanese culture due to their agricultural, culinary, and health benefits. The harvesting and storing of olives still follows centuries-old processes and is a popular social activity. In this episode, Leen tells us about the role of olives in Lebanese culture and takes us with her and her family on … Continue reading Episode 20 – Olive picking
Faraya is a famous Lebanese village and winter sport destination located high in the mountains. Its snowy winters and mild summers make it a popular destination year-round. Faraya and neighboring villages such as Kfardebiane offer visitors great dinning, skiing, and hiking opportunities. In this episode, Leen tells us about the village and its surroundings. She … Continue reading Episode 17 – Faraya and nearby attractions
Beiteddine Palace is a 19th-century palace in Beiteddine, Lebanon. It was built during the Ottoman Empire by Emir Bashir II who ruled the Mount Lebanon Emirate. Construction began in 1788 and took about 30 years to complete. The palace is located in the Chouf Mountains and surrounded by terraced gardens and orchards. Since the 1980s, … Continue reading Episode 10 – Beiteddine
Lebanon hosts several major music festivals each year in different cities and parts of the country. Three of the most popular festivals are the Byblos International Festival, Baalbek International Festival, and Beiteddine Festival. Many of the most famous singers and bands in the world have performed at these festivals. Each festival takes place in impressive … Continue reading Episode 5 – Three popular music festivals
The Jeita Grotto (Arabic: مغارة جعيتا) is one of Lebanon’s most famous natural wonders. It is a world renowned system of interconnected limestone caves spanning about 9 kilometers, parts of which are only accessible by boat. Jeita Grotto is one of the most spectacular places in the world to see stalactites and stalagmites. Dareen tells … Continue reading Episode 3 – Jeita Grotto caves