Adma wa Dafneh

Adma wa Dafneh or Adma (Arabic: أدْما والدّفنة or أدما) is a town in the Keserwan District of the Keserwan-Jbeil Governorate in Lebanon. The town consists of the villages of Adma and Dafneh. The town is located 27 kilometers north of Beirut on a cliff facing South.

Jounieh At Sunset From Adma

Adma wa Dafneh أدما والدفنة
Town
Adma wa Dafneh Location in Lebanon
Coordinates: 34°1′21″N 35°38′50″E
Country	Lebanon
Governorate	Keserwan-Jbeil
District	Keserwan
Government
• Mayor	Charbel Hanna Chahwan
Area
• Total	2.733 km2 (1.055 sq mi)
Elevation	215 m (705 ft)
Highest elevation	330 m (1,080 ft)
Lowest elevation	100 m (300 ft)
Population  (2015[1])
• Total	2,497
• Density	913.5/km2 (2,366/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
Dialing code	+961
Website	Adma wa Dafneh

Its elevation ranges between 100 and 330 meters above sea level and the town's total land area consists of 456 hectares. Adma wa Dafneh is markedly more vacant and vast than most Lebanese settlements, and is strongly connected to Jounieh and Tabarja to its south and north respectively. Adma wa Dafneh's inhabitants are predominantly Maronite Christians.^[2]

Etymology

"Adam" (𐤀𐤃𐤌 in Phoenician) is derived from red, and there is an etymological connection between adam and admah, admah designating "red clay" or "red ground" in a non-theological context. The Village of Adma was named after its fertile and rich soil which was covered by vegetation before urbanisation.^[3]

Topography and history

Topography

Adma wa Dafneh is largely made up of sparse structures situated between thick brush and forestation on the limestone hillsides and cliffs of Kasrouane.

History

In February 1990, following the Taif agreement ending the 15-year Lebanese Civil War, the town was the site of a battle between the Lebanese Army and the Lebanese Forces militia (LF). Two hundred commandos loyal to General Michel Aoun were trapped in their base in Adma by Samir Geagea’s LF fighters until a truce was arranged, 17 February, to allow their evacuation.^[4] Traces of the fighting can still be seen. The town also features a ruined civil war-era structure with a hidden arms depository, now empty, that survived the war.

Residency and accommodations

Residency

Adma wa Dafneh today is mostly home to the upper mid-class and the high society, as well as foreign diplomats and international business expatriates working in Lebanon. The town includes some of the most prestigious gated communities in Lebanon, such as BelHorizon Village and Admir. Mansions, large homes, as well as family buildings represent most of the dwellings in Adma.

Accommodations

The town has also managed to create its own ecosystem of accommodations which includes a Carrefour Market, convenience stores, gas stations, churches, a medical center, schools, restaurants, shops, hotels, etc.