Asian Gamefowl Society
Lebanon
Introduction to Lebanon
Lebanon, the land of the Cedar is situated on the east shore of the Mediterrean Sea. It was the home of the famous Phoenicians, a folk of traders and seafarers. They sailed to many destinations whereunder (North & East) Africa, were they founded the famous city of Carthago, Asia and even Northern Europe. It is even believed that the Phoenicians introduced the first Asian gamefowl into Britain (Cornwall) were they traded a variety of exotic goods against tin dug from the Cornish mines.They also introduced the 22 letter alphabet. After a succession of different rulers, Lebanon became part of the Roman Empire in 64 BC. The geographical inaccessibility made Lebanon attractive as a religious refuge appealing both to Christians and Muslim groups.In 1516 Lebanon became part of the Ottoman Empire. For three centuries the Ottomans (Turks) granted local leaders relative autonomy; two powerful chieftains emerged, one Druze and one Maronite. Under Ottoman rule, Lebanon developed economic and religious ties with Europe. After the first World War, Lebanon became a French mandate. During the 1920s the French redefined Lebanon's borders, combining the largely Muslim inhabited coastal plain with the Christian dominated mountains to create the Republic of Lebanon.remained under French mandate until 1943, when Lebanon became fully independent. Today many Lebanese like their Phoenician ancestors are active in many places around the world in the international trade, food and cuisine branch.
Geography
Lebanon is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. The country is 215km long, and from east to west the distance ranges from 25 to 90km. (size 10452 sq.Km). It is bordered by Syria to the north and east, and by Israel to the south. Lebanon has 4 million inhabitants and the captital is Beirut, other historical places are the old Phoenician cities of Tyrus, Sidon, Byblos and Baalbek. Lebanon is the only country in the Middle East without a desert. It offers a variety of landscapes like valleys, mountains, forests (famous cedarwoods) and plains.
Gamefowl Information
The main gamefowl breeds are of the Aseel and Malay-type. Weights reach from ± 2.5KG to ± 7KG. The size of the largest birds goes upto 85CM. These birds are purely used for pit purposes. Most birds are born and bred in Lebanon occasionally birds are imported from neighbouring countries in the Middle East or from Western-Asian (Pakistan, India). The blood is selected by Lebanese cockers using following criteria: toughness, strength, speed, endurance, cleverness and good shape. Before breeding they are tested in the pit. This is the ultimate test also showing the qualities of the breeder, good or bad. About the pit sport in Lebanon, birds are pitted due to size and weight criteria. Birds are only fought in natural heels. The duration of the fight is 1 hour and 30 minutes, every 15 minutes there is a 2 minute rest period (watering the birds). Bets are not prefered. A bird which fought well being downed is no shame for the owner. A real shame is a bird running away from the fight. For the Lebanese, the fight is our passion.
Lebanese Gamefowl Gallery
A small display of some of the finest Asian gamefowl breeds bred in Lebanon (Picture source: Mr.Frederic Farar)
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Lebanese & Middle Eastern Gamefowl Breeders
AL JAZZAR (Lebanon)
(This section is open for personal homepages of gamefowl breeders from Lebanon & Middle East)
Lebanese Website Directory
Acropolis Hotel (Jounieh - Lebanon)
A variety of links covering all aspects of Lebanese history, culture, todays life and media.
AGS Consultant for Lebanon & Middle East area
Mr.Frederic Farah (Zouk Mikael / Lebanon)
Member of the Asian Gamefowl Society
