The Lebanese northern village of Kobayat was voted as Lebanon’s “Favorite Village” in the L’Orient Le Jour (OLJ) 2019 competition, winning over nine other nominated Lebanese villages selected to compete: Amchit, Barouk, Baskinta, Becharre, Cana, Ghazir, Hebbariye, Hermel, and Machghara.
The residents of Kobayat village celebrated their victory in the public square of their town, in the presence of MP Hadi Hobeish, as well as personalities from various forces and political parties and, of course, a large gathering of people from the village.
On the beat of drums, music, songs, and fireworks, the Mayor of Kobayat, Abdo Makhoul Abdo, delivered a speech in which he thanked the sons of Kobayat and all the people of Akkar for this victory.
“We ran this competition to preserve the title,” he said. “In the past, Akkar al-Atika won, today Kobayat did and in the future, another village in Akkar will as well […] and thanks to all the municipalities of the region and to the people of Akkar and to all political and religious figures, Islamic and Christian.”
From his side, MP Hadi Hobeish joined in expressing the joy of the sons and daughters of Kobayat and Akkar, claiming a deserved victory for Kobayat as the most beautiful Lebanese village.
In his words, “This is a big day and this victory for Kobayat and Akkar presents many messages: the Kobayat with all its leaders and parties and all its politicians met on one goal, which is the win of the Kobayat village with this deserved title… .”
He added, “Akkar, in this competition, has achieved a remarkable number of votes, stating that the deprived Akkar remains strong… .”
Kobayat is a Lebanese village located northeast of Tripoli in Akkar Governorate, Lebanon. It is famous for its natural and historical landmarks and religious pilgrimage sites, which makes it an ideal touristic sight all year long.
This Lebanese village is mostly known for its scientific permanent museum for Animals, including birds, and butterflies.
It has amassed an impressive collection of 161 bird species and 23 animal species from Lebanon, along with an encyclopedic 4,000-strong butterfly collection, from all over the world (!).
It is also known for its Karam Shbat nature reserve, and several old churches and monasteries, as well as its music festival that takes place every summer.
