Rashaya District

Rashaya District (Arabic: قضاء راشيا) is an administrative district in the Beqaa Governorate of the Republic of Lebanon.

Al-Rafid, Rashaya District

Rashaya District
District
قضاء راشيا
Rashaya Citadel
Location in Lebanon
Country	Lebanon
Governorate	Beqaa Governorate
Capital	Rashaya
Area
• Total	187 sq mi (485 km2)
Population
• Estimate  (31 December 2017)	47,122
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)

Most of Rachaya's population are Druze with a Sunni and Shia and Christian minority. Many people of Rachaya have left for larger cities in Lebanon such as Beirut. During the Lebanese civil war, Rachaya was not affected as much as other parts of Lebanon during the conflict.

Rachaya is known for its pottery and famous for the Church bells made in the town, the town is right next to the Anti-Lebanon mountain range in bordering Syria.

In 1943, several prominent nationalist politicians were imprisoned in Rashaya's Castle by the French Mandate administration. Finally yielding to mounting internal and international pressure, France released the prisoners on November 22, 1943; since then, this day has been celebrated as Independence Day.^[1]

In 1969, Rashaya witnessed clashes between Palestinian fedayeen and the Lebanese army.

Local culture and festivals

Rashaya hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating traditions, music, and arts. These events offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture.^[2] The district's diverse religious communities, including Druze, Greek Orthodox, Greek Catholics, and Syriacs, have lived peacefully together, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry.^[3]

Agricultural tourism

Rashaya's economy thrives on traditional activities, including herb harvesting, crop cultivation (cherries, olives, etc.), and goat husbandry for Labneh production.^[2] Visitors can experience agricultural practices such as olive harvesting and the making of olive oil, as well as other traditional products like olive oil soap, arak, pomegranate molasses, and flower waters.^[4]

Crafts and local artisans

Rashaya is known for traditional crafts such as silver and jewelry making.^[3] The district, particularly the village of Rashaya, is recognized for its pottery and ceramics.^[5] These crafts, along with others like cedar wood carving, blown glass, and textile weaving, are part of Lebanon's rich cultural heritage and can be found in local artisan shops and cultural centers throughout the country.^[5]

Demographics

Year	Christians					Muslims			Druze
	Total	Greek Orthodox	Maronites	Greek Catholics	Other Christians	Total	Sunnis	Shias	Druze
2014[6]	22.08%	15.56%	4.43%	1.38%	0.71%	36.21%	35.85%	0.36%	41.63%