Marmarita
Marmarita (Template:Lang-ar, Syriac: ܡܪܡܪܝܬܐ, Template:ArTranslit) is a village located in Western Syria close to the governorate of Tartus but administratively belonging to the governorate of Homs since 1953. It was previously part of the Latakia Governorate. Marmarita is probably the largest village in the Wadi Al-Nasarah (Valley of Christians) region of Homs. It is also a very popular summer destination and tourist attraction in Syria. It is situated close to the Crac des Chevaliers, or Qal'at El Ḥiṣn, an important historic site and a popular tourist attraction.
Etymology
All sources indicate that the current name of the village, Marmarita, is derived from the Syriac word Marmanitha, as this was evident in all religious and historical books and documents. What was explained in the Arabic Encyclopedia (by Dr. Ahmad Dawood) was wrong. The encyclopedia suggested that the name, Marmarita, was derived from the Syriac word Marmarato, which means god of gods, which has been mistakenly been viewed as the origin of the name Marmarita, even by the Syrian Television. Syriac speakers agree that the name Maramarita means a place that overlooks [another place], which is very reasonable as the village does overlook the Akkar plateau and the Mediterranean sea and Lebanese mountains. Roman Orthodox and Catholic references confirm that.
History
Marmarita is a village that is more than 500 years old. The history of the modern village of Marmarita traces back to the early 17th century. Most of the village's earliest inhabitants had immigrated from Lebanon and Hauran. It has buildings built as early as the late 17th century, but studies have suggested that the village was destroyed sometime in the 6th century by a powerful volcanic eruption. It has been also suggested that Phoenicians have lived in this village.
Old Marmarita
The old Marmarita (1600s) was inhabited by only four families and was surrounded by three churchs and churchyards: the St. John, St. Saba, and St. Boutros churches, which are located on the entrances to old Marmarita. Three valleys, which no longer exist, outlined the village. Education and agriculture attracted many immigrants from other villages.
Tourism
The ideal location, climate and the relatively high stage of civilization were the major reasons for establishing Marmarita as a popular summer destination for people living in nearby cities and tourists. In summer the weather is mild and usually sunny, while in winter rain and, occasionally, snow fall heavily. There are many hospitals and clinics in the village. Marmarita is also known for its advanced schools.
The Marmarita Annual Carnival
The Marmarita Carnival is very famous in the region. Thousands of people attend it every year. In the carnival, shows and processions of vehicles and dancers entertain the whole village. The Marmarita Carnival celebrated its 26th anniversary in summer 2006. The performers of the carnival all volunteer to do so.
Demographics
Marmarita's population is changing. In winter the population decreases to approximately 4,000 or 5,000 inhabitants, while in summer the population jumps to more than 25,000 inhabitants. This is due to the fact that most of the village's original inhabitants live and work in cities and only spend their summer time in the village. The number of Marmarita immigrants is huge. The United States of America is home to the highest number of immigrants, followed by Australia, West Europe and Africa. The entire population of Marmarita is Christian, much like most villages in the area. There is also a large community from Marmarita migrated to South America early in the century. Marmarita is famous of being the town of the 500 doctorates, most of them are in medicine and hold prominant positions around the world. It was estimated that in the 1940s. Marmarita was the home of four high schools which enrolled students from all Syria and the neighbouring Lebanon. In general, population of Marmarita are very well educated and this is attributed to the foundation of its school system by immigrants and charities .
References
- Marmarita information, Dai'tna. Retrieved on 29 November 2006.
- Marmarita's official website. Retrieved on 8 February 2007.