Mount Lebanon is a majestic mountain range that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, separated from it by the coasts of Syria. It is inhabited by various tribes, covered with farms and forests, and crowned with snow like a white turban throughout the year.
Until the mid-19th century, its government was held by emirs from various clans, the most prominent of which traced their lineage back to Lu'ayy ibn Ghalib of the Quraysh tribe. These were the Shihabi princes, also known as the Banu Shihab.
The Shihabi princes ruled Lebanon longer than any other tribe. Their governmental center was often the town of Deir al-Qamar, located on the western slope of the aforementioned mountain, overlooking a fertile valley that separates it from a facing slope. Like other villages in Lebanon, it is surrounded by orchards planted with grapevines, figs, mulberries, and other trees.
In the late 18th century, the emirate of this mountain came under the rule of prince Bashir al-Shihabi, known as "the Ma'lati" and famed for his ambition, courage, and commanding presence. So great was his aura that many could not bear to look him in the face, stand before him, or speak in his presence without trembling in fear and awe ... despite the Lebanese being known for their physical strength and composure.
On the slope opposite Deir al-Qamar was a small village called Beiteddine, which contained a temple for the Druze sect. Emir Bashir purchased the village, built residences and gardens there for himself and his children, and brought water to it. It thus became one of the most beautiful and scenic resorts, renowned for its refreshing air.
Prince Bashir was known for his constant vigilance and his care for the well-being of his subjects. He possessed a unique intuition in understanding people and their behaviors. Often, he could identify a culprit just by looking at him and observing his movements. Many tales are told about his uncanny insight ...stories that seem more like legends than facts, yet they are passed down among both the common folk and the elite.
Among his efforts to preserve peace and prevent wrongdoing was his selection of men whose bravery and skill he had tested. He deployed them throughout the valleys, hiding in ambush to watch people's movements. If someone traveled from one village to another, these watchful eyes would follow his every step...sometimes even secretly accompanying him the entire way without his knowledge. The next morning, they would report back to the Emir everything they had seen and learned, keeping him fully informed of the conditions of his people.
He had a sharp memory that missed nothing, and it was said that he was present everywhere. Security and order flourished during his rule over Mount Lebanon. So much so that women and children would travel freely, by day and by night, carrying money in their hands, moving from town to town and district to district, without fear of danger or assault.