THE PEOPLE OF BASKINTA

Faces

Writers, poets, educators and cultural figures whose voices carried Baskinta beyond its mountains.

A LIVING HERITAGE

The People Behind the Place

Baskinta's story is also the story of the people who carried its name, memory and culture far beyond the village.

Faces preserves the stories of writers, poets, teachers and cultural figures whose work became part of Baskinta's identity.

Mikhail Naimy Monument in Shakhroub

01 WRITER · PHILOSOPHER

Mikhail Naimy

1889–1988

Mikhail Naimy is considered one of the pillars of the Lebanese literary renaissance of the twentieth century. His writing reached readers across the world and repeatedly explored the Self, humanity's place within the universe and the search for spiritual unity.

His philosophy viewed the human being as a microcosm in which the universe is reflected, and life as a continuing journey toward greater unity and understanding.

In 1999, sculptor Assaf Assaf created a statue of Naimy near his house in Shakhroub, preserving another physical connection between the writer and Baskinta.

Explore the Literary Trail →

02 EDUCATOR · POET · PUBLISHER

Abdallah Ghanem

1895–1959

Abdallah Ghanem devoted much of his life to teaching Arabic literature and became widely known as “Teacher Abdallah”, or “M3alem Abdallah”.

In 1937 he founded the weekly newspaper Sannine, through which he promoted education, patriotism and a deep attachment to Lebanon.

His words also reached the stage. Performers including Fayrouz, Nour El Hoda and Karem Mahmoud were among the artists who sang his work.

Abdallah Ghanem Cultural Center →

03 POET · EMIGRANT VOICE

Rachid Ayoub

1872–1941

Rachid Ayoub was among the writers who carried memories of Baskinta beyond Lebanon through his writing.

His early education began in Baskinta before he continued his studies in Choueir. Around 1890 he left for the United States and settled in New Orleans, where he spent the remainder of his life.

One of his best-known poems, Ya Taljou, speaks to the falling snow in America as it awakens memories of family, friends, home and life in Baskinta.

04 WRITER · CULTURAL FIGURE

Georges Ghanem

1932–1992

A son of Abdallah Ghanem, Georges Ghanem began his studies in Baskinta before continuing his education in Beirut.

He pursued studies in political and economic science and became active in Lebanon's cultural life.

He co-founded and presided over cultural associations including Souraya and the House of the Lebanese Artist. A number of his writings were translated into foreign languages.

05 SPORT · CYCLING · YOUTH LEGACY

Zahy Sayah

1987–2004

Zahy Sayah was Lebanon Junior Cycling Champion between 2000 and 2004. His passion for mountain biking inspired many young Lebanese to dedicate themselves to the sport.

Winner of more than 20 races at national level, Zahy's popularity grew beyond cycling. His charisma and enthusiasm for life made him loved by friends, family and those who knew him through the sport.

From Sannine, his home mountain, Zahy cycled across Lebanon, including Saida, Zahle, Taanayel, Batroun, Ibrine, Faraya, Faqra, Jdeideh and Beit Chabab, driven by his love for Lebanon's 10,452 square kilometres.

During his cycling career, Zahy was sponsored by SCOTT USA Bikes and Red Bull, becoming one of Red Bull's youngest athletes in the region.

Zahy passed away in 2004 at the age of 17. His sporting legacy continued through two initiatives created in his name: the Zahy Sayah Trophy within the Red Bull Snow to Sea event, and the Zahy Sayah Best Sportsman of the Year award, presented in 2006 to Lebanese athlete Maxim Chaya.

WALK THROUGH THEIR STORY

Baskinta Literary Trail

The landscape and literary heritage of Baskinta remain closely connected. Follow the trails and landmarks linked to the village's writers and cultural figures.

Explore Nature & Trails →

PRESERVING BASKINTA

Every Photograph Has a Story.

Families and members of the Baskinta community who hold photographs, documents or memories connected to these figures can help us strengthen this living archive.