Ghobeiry: Lebanon's Largest Municipality
Located within the Baabda District of the Mount Lebanon Governorate, Ghobeiry (also spelled Ghbayreh or Ghabariyeh) stands as a significant urban center in Lebanon. As the largest municipality in the country, it plays a vital role in the regional landscape, blending residential life with complex political and social histories.
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Ghobeiry is a key component of the Dahieh, the southern suburb of Beirut. This larger metropolitan area is formed by the union of Ghobeiry and several neighboring towns and municipalities, including Haret Hreik.
Key Facts
- Status: The largest municipality in Lebanon.
- Location: Baabda District, Mount Lebanon Governorate.
- Total Area: 120 hectares (approximately 300 acres).
- Elevation: 50 meters (160 feet) above sea level.
- Regional Context: Part of the southern suburbs of Beirut known as Dahieh.
Geography and Administration
Ghobeiry is situated at coordinates 33°51′32″N 35°30′15″E. Administratively, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Mount Lebanon Governorate. The municipality operates within the Eastern European Time zone (UTC+2), shifting to Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+3) during the summer months.
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Demographics and Society
The population of Ghobeiry is predominantly Muslim. According to 2014 data regarding registered voters, Muslims comprise 99.41% of the electorate. The community is primarily composed of Shia Muslims, who make up 79.14% of the voters, followed by Sunni Muslims at 20.26%.
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Shia Islam | 79.14% |
| Sunni Islam | 20.26% |
| Others | 0.60% |
Historical and Political Context
The municipality has been a focal point of political shifts in the region. In May 1988, following three weeks of intense conflict between the Amal Movement and Hezbollah, Ghobeiry and Chiyah were the only districts in Beirut that Amal managed to retain control over, while the remainder of Southern Beirut transitioned to Hezbollah control.
Notable Residents
Ghobeiry has been home to several prominent figures across different fields, including politics, security, and athletics:
- Mustafa Badreddine (1961–2016): Former member of Hezbollah.
- Mohamad Ali El Husseini (born 1974): Former member of Hezbollah.
- Mohamad Baker El Housseini (born 2002): Professional footballer.
- Hasan Farhat (born 2004): Professional footballer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ghobeiry?
Ghobeiry is a municipality located in the Baabda District of the Mount Lebanon Governorate in Lebanon. It is recognized as the largest municipality in the country.
Where is Ghobeiry located in relation to Beirut?
Ghobeiry is part of the southern suburb of Beirut, an area collectively referred to as Dahieh, which it shares with other municipalities like Haret Hreik.
What is the religious composition of Ghobeiry?
The population is overwhelmingly Muslim (99.41% of registered voters in 2014), with a majority being Shia Muslims (79.14%) and a minority being Sunni Muslims (20.26%).
How large is the municipality of Ghobeiry?
The total area of Ghobeiry is 120 hectares, which is equivalent to approximately 300 acres.
What is the significance of Ghobeiry in the 1988 conflict?
During the fighting between Amal and Hezbollah in May 1988, Ghobeiry and Chiyah were the only districts in Beirut that remained under the control of the Amal Movement.