Moukhtara “The Chosen” is one of the main towns of the higher Shouf in Mount

Lebanon, located at 850 meters above sea level at a distance of 50 km from the capital

Beirut with a population of 3000 inhabitants. The town sits on a hill covered by oak,

pine, and poplar trees, bordered by the Barouk River in the northwest and overlooks

the verdant Bisri valley in the south. It is considered an ideal tourism site since it

combines a captivating natural landscape with archaeological and historical sites. From

Moukhtara, the visitor can go east to Maasser al-Shouf which is one of the entrances to

the al-Shouf Cedar Reserve where the road continues on to the fertile Bekaa valley. The

visitor may also go south from Moukhtara to Jezzine.

The Palace of Moukhtara is located in the main square of the village, where the visitor

can see the recently built “Emir Shakib Arslan” mosque at the entrance. The imposing

palace embodies the long history of the Joumblatt family. As prominent sheikhs,

landowners, politicians and intellectuals, the Joumblatts have throughout history

played an important role in determining the political structure and governance of

Lebanon. Subsequently, Moukhtara Palace was and remains central to historical and

political events in the country, hosting dignitaries, heads of states, spiritual leaders

as well as Arab and foreign politicians, and welcoming citizens from all walks of life.