President Michel Aoun left on Thursday the summer residence in Beiteddine, in the Chouf region, and returned to Baabda, ending his two-week stay in the historical palace, a tradition followed by Lebanese presidents since Independence.
The last day of his summer stay was marked with an expanded popular gathering, which included a number of residents of the Chouf area, and some members of the Free Patriotic Movement.
Aoun reminded his visitors that the dispute that has shaken the Chouf earlier this summer gave a lesson to everyone on the need not to repeat it.
“As long as I am with you there is no fear,” he said.
The palace of Beiteddine, which has a rich and long history, is one of the most beautiful examples of 19th century Lebanese architecture.
Its name was associated with Prince Bashir al-Shehab, who established what was known as the Shehabi Emirate.
The palace, the construction of which took 20 years, was the center of power throughout the Emir’s 54-year reign.
The tradition of the summer stay of the Lebanese Presidents in Beiteddine dates back to Lebanon’s independence during the tenure of President Beshara el-Khoury in 1943. This custom was followed by a large number of presidents, excluding Presidents Amin Gemayel, who moved to his home town of Bikfaya in the summer, and Elias Hrawi, who was unable to stay in Beiteddine because of the political situation at the time.
Several years after the end of the Lebanese war, in 1999, the tradition was re-established under President Emile Lahoud, followed by President Michel Sleiman.
In 2017, when he took office, President Aoun moved to the summer residence.
The palace also hosts the acclaimed Beiteddine International Festivals, featuring the world’s most famous artists.
