newsletter upper int. tyre salam saleh

Tyre Newsletter – Upper Intermediate Tyre - August 5th, 2015 – Trainer: Salam Saleh

Welcome to the Upper Intermediate -Tyre newsletter! Coming from a small yet

eclectic town, we wanted to share all the things we love about Tyre with you! We

hope you learn something new, and even pay us a visit!

History of Tyre

Tyre was founded around 275 B.C., according to Hero Dotus, and consisted of two

distinct urban centers. It consisted of Tyre itself, which was an isolated island just off

shore, and the settlement of Ushu on the connected mainland. Alexander the Great

connected the island to the main land by a cause way during his siege of the city.

The original island city had two harbors that enabled Tyre to gain the maritime

prominence that it did. The harbor on the northern part of the island was one of the best

harbors on the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, and is still in use. The main land

settlement, which was later called, Palaetyrus, or “old tyre”, was used by the Greeks as a

source of water and timber for the main island city.

The commerce of the ancient world was gathered into the warehouses of Tyre.

Tyrian merchants were the first who ventured to navigate the Mediterranean water. The

city of Tyre was particularly known for the production of a rare and an extraordinarily

expensive sort of purple dye, produced from the murex shell fish, known as Tyrian

purple.


Tyre continued to maintain much of its commercial importance until the Christian

era. It is stated in the Bible that Jesus visited the region of Tyre, and healed a gentile.

Many from this region came forth to hear him preaching.

In 1124, Tyre was captured by the Crusaders, becoming one of the most important

cities of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. It was part of the royal domain as a separate crusader

lordship, and then it was retaken by the Hameluks, followed by Ottoman rule before the

modern state of Lebanon was declared in 1920.

The present day city of Tyre covers a large part of the original island, and the part

that is not covered by modern city, consists of an archaeological site showcasing remains

of the city from ancient times.


Ruins of Tyre

Ordinary Roman Homes

One of the greatest aspects of the old Roman

City of Tyre is the abundance of small structures

which point to the lives of the ordinary citizens,

and to the manner in which the Roman city was

organized. While none of the roofs remain,

many of the walls, doors, and stairways are still

standing.

Mosaics

Some of the creative products of the Romans that

have survived to our day are the mosaics. They show

a series of plant forms in pale greys and sepia. The

entire mosaic is still in place, which in itself, if very

impressive.

The Triumphal Arch

The Triumphal Arch of Tyre is one of the city's most impressive archaeological sites. The

arch has been standing since the second century BCE. It stands over a long avenue, and it

is the main attraction. The Triumphal Arch had fallen apart, but was reconstructed in

modern times. It still looks like what it probably did in the ancient world.


Tyre Coast

When you visit the sea in Tyre, you will see clear water and crystal sandy beaches.

It’s an amazing place to spend your time, and it is always crowded. One of the greatest

forms of entertainment for young people and families is the walking on the boardwalk,

chatting, enjoying the sounds and smells of the sea, making sports, and kids can even

play freely. The beaches of Tyre are far and wide. Also, there is a small port in the old

city, and it is full of the boats of the fishermen. In Tyre there is a “Tyre Beach Nature

Reserve”, and it’s located near the Rachideyeh refugee camp area. This reserve is a

convenient place for birds, endangered turtles, bats, and other wild animals. There is no

entrance fee, and the northern portion of the reserve is open for everyone to swim in.


Street Food in Tyre

Tyre, sometimes recognized as Sur, is one of the world’s oldest cities. It is a city

in the south of Lebanon. Let’s discover the delicious food in Tyre. In the old flee mart,

or souk, of Tyre, you’ll find the location of the famous Mazraani. A man who serves only

the best foul, hummus, and msabbaha. Foul is prepared in large stainless steel jars, and

maintained on a low fire. The hummus station where chick peas and tahini are mixed.

They offer you a plate of vegetables and a unique of chili peppers.

In Lebanon, mezze is an array of small dishes placed before the guests, creating an

array of colors and flavors. Mezze may be as simple as pickled or raw vegetables,

hummus, baba ghanough and bread, or it may become an entire meal. It could consist of

grilled marinated sea food, meats, cooked and raw salads, tabouleh and fattoush, and an

arrangement of desserts. Although simple fresh fruits are often served towards the end of

a Lebanese meal, there may also be dessert, such as baklava and coffee.


Tyre MarkeT or “Souq”

Tyre has its souq, which is still a vibrant and lively section of the town. It is

crowded with people, fruits, vegetables, wagons, and cars. In the old market of Tyre,

there are many small clothing shops too. Tyre’s souq is obviously an old establishment,

but it does appear that much of this market has been rebuilt following the destruction

done by wars and nature. It’s a busy place where you can see the lively town, and you

always hear the voices of the merchants. In this market, you can find butchers’ shops and

fish mongers’ stands located near each other. On the contrary side, you will see many

jewelry shops located there, too. Really, this area is a picturesque region that you can’t

find in any place of the world!

newsletter upper int. tyre salam saleh

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