# Qaa

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For the pharaoh, see [Qa'a](/source/Qa'a). For other uses, see [Qaa (disambiguation)](/source/Qaa_(disambiguation)).

Place in Baalbek-Hermel, Lebanon

Qaa القاع El Qaa, Al Qaa Qaa Location in Lebanon Coordinates: 34°20′37″N 36°28′32″E / 34.34361°N 36.47556°E / 34.34361; 36.47556 Country Lebanon Governorate Baalbek-Hermel District Baalbek Government • Type Municipality • Mayor Bachir Matar Area • Total 4.98 sq mi (12.91 km2) Elevation 2,156 ft (657 m) Population (2010)[1] • Total 500 • Density 2,400/sq mi (930/km2) Time zone UTC+2 (EET) • Summer (DST) +3

Historic site in Beqaa Valley, Lebanon

Qaa Interactive map of Qaa Periods Shepherd Neolithic Location Beqaa Valley, Lebanon Part of Type site Site notes Archaeologists M. Billaux, Henri Fleisch Condition ruins Public access Yes

Shepherd Neolithic flint tools discovered at Kamouh el Hermel. 1. End scraper on a flake. 2. Transverse scraper and awl on a thin flake. 3. Borer on a flake blade. 4. Burin with a wide working edge on a heavy flake. All in matt brown flint.

**Qaa** ([Arabic](/source/Arabic_language): القاع), **El Qaa**, **Al Qaa, Qaa Baalbek** or **Masharih al-Qaa** is a town in [Baalbek-Hermel Governorate](/source/Baalbek-Hermel_Governorate), [Lebanon](/source/Lebanon).[2] A 2010 report stated that population of the settlement was 500, all [Lebanese Maronite Christians](/source/Lebanese_Maronite_Christians).

## History

In 1838, [Eli Smith](/source/Eli_Smith) noted Qaa's population as being predominantly [Catholic Christian](/source/Catholic_Church).[3]

During the initial phase of the [Lebanese Civil War](/source/Lebanese_Civil_War), Qaa’s strategic location in the northern Beqaa made it a focal point for early sectarian friction. On June 29, 1975, the village was the site of a massacre in which seven Christian civilians were summarily executed by local Shi’a tribesmen and Palestinian militants from the Syrian-backed [As-Sa'iqa](/source/As-Sa'iqa) faction. This event served as a definitive catalyst for the exodus of the Christian population from the northern Beqaa, marking the beginning of significant demographic displacement in the region.[4]: 24

In 1976, the village remained a site of instability as the conflict escalated into a regional struggle involving the [Lebanese National Movement](/source/Lebanese_National_Movement) (LNM) and Palestinian factions. During this period, Qaa’s proximity to the Syrian border led to its involvement in the shifting front lines of the Syrian military intervention, which officially commenced with troops crossing the Qaa border axis in June 1976.[5] This presence further entrenched militia control over the area—most notably through the blockade of the Northern Beqaa road following the Labweh bus massacre—preventing the return of displaced residents and solidifying the region's demographic shift.[4]: 26[6] These events laid the groundwork for the deeper sectarian animosities that would culminate in the subsequent massacres in the same region in June 1978.

On 28 June 1978, unidentified militiamen killed 26 villagers from Qaa and three other villages. The murders were believed to be connected to the killing of 34 people, including [Tony Franjieh](/source/Tony_Franjieh), on 13 June. The gunmen were reported to have had lists of names from which they selected their victims.[7]

The [Syrian army](/source/Syrian_army) invaded [Lebanon](/source/Lebanon) at 4 a.m. on 1 September 2012 and kidnapped a farmer from the town as part of escalating incursions during the [Syrian civil war](/source/Syrian_civil_war). The invasion lasted for 40 minutes before the unit withdrew. A house in Qaa had previously been hit by a [shell](/source/Shell_(projectile)) fired by the Syrian army.[8]

On the 27 June 2016, at least [five people in Qaa were killed](/source/2016_Qaa_bombings) and 13 others wounded in an attack by four [suicide bombers](/source/Suicide_bomber) during the [Syrian Civil war spillover into Lebanon](/source/Syrian_civil_war_spillover_in_Lebanon).[9][10][11]

## Archaeology

Along with [Maqne I](/source/Maqne_I), Qaa is a type site of the [Shepherd Neolithic](/source/Shepherd_Neolithic) [industry](/source/Industry_(archaeology)). The site is located 5 miles (8 km) north west of the town, north of a path leading from Qaa to [Hermel](/source/Hermel). It was discovered by M. Billaux and the materials recovered were documented by [Henri Fleisch](/source/Henri_Fleisch) in 1966.[12] The area was lightly cultivated with a thin soil covering the [conglomerates](/source/Conglomerate_(geology)). The flints were divided into three groups of a reddish brown, light brown and one that was mostly chocolate and grey colored with a radiant *"desert shine"*.[2]

The Shepherd Neolithic industry can be defined firstly by being small and thick in size, with [flakes](/source/Lithic_flake) commonly ranging from 2.5 to 4 centimetres (0.98 to 1.57 in), the thickness distinguishing them from [geometric](/source/Geometric) [microliths](/source/Microlith). Their second characteristic is the limited number of forms that the tools take, apart from cores being transverse [racloirs](/source/Racloir) on small flakes, strong-pointed borers, denticulated or notched thick, short blades and end-scrapers. It was thirdly characterized by a lack of known [typology](/source/Typology_(archaeology)), with only occasional use of [Levallois technique](/source/Levallois_technique). It was determined to be definitely later than the [Mesolithic](/source/Mesolithic) but without any usual forms from the [Upper Paleolithic](/source/Upper_Paleolithic) or [pottery](/source/Pottery) [Neolithic](/source/Neolithic). Henri Fleisch tentatively suggested the industry to be [Epipaleolithic](/source/Epipaleolithic) and suggested it may have been used by [nomadic shepherds](/source/Nomadic_pastoralism).[2] The Shepherd Neolithic has largely been ignored and understudied following the outbreak of the [Lebanese civil war](/source/Lebanese_civil_war).

## Statue of Christ

In March 2026, a twenty-six meter statue of [Christ](/source/Jesus) was erected in Qaa on Jabal al-Salib (ِArabic for "Mount of the [Cross](/source/Christian_cross)"). The statue overlooks the [Beqaa Valley](/source/Beqaa_Valley) and is located near the Syrian border. It was designed by Lebanese architect George Makhlouf. It is made of [fiberglass](/source/Fiberglass), and consists of a sixteen meter statue mounted on a ten meter base. The project was initiated by Fady Awad, who lives in Qaa, and supported by the local municipality, and was completed after approximately one year.[13]

## See also

- [Qaa massacre](/source/Qaa_massacre)

- [Al-Qaa airstrike](/source/Al-Qaa_airstrike)

- [2016 Qaa bombings](/source/2016_Qaa_bombings)

- [List of extrajudicial killings and political violence in Lebanon](/source/List_of_extrajudicial_killings_and_political_violence_in_Lebanon)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2010_R_1-0)** ["The Forgotten Turks: Turkmens of Lebanon"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181832/http://www.orsam.org.tr/en/enUploads/Article/Files/2010110_sayi11_eng_web.pdf) (PDF). Centre for Middle Eastern Strategic Studies. Feb 2010. Archived from [the original](http://www.orsam.org.tr/en/enUploads/Article/Files/2010110_sayi11_eng_web.pdf) (PDF) on March 3, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CopelandWescombe1966_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CopelandWescombe1966_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-CopelandWescombe1966_2-2) L. Copeland; P. Wescombe (1966). [*Inventory of Stone-Age Sites in Lebanon: North, South and East-Central Lebanon, p. 49*](https://books.google.com/books?id=qhPRQwAACAAJ). Impr. Catholique. Retrieved 29 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Robinson and Smith, 1841, vol 3, 2nd appendix, p. [144](https://archive.org/stream/biblicalresearch03robiuoft#page/144/mode/1up)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ICTJ2013_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ICTJ2013_4-1) "Lebanon's Legacy of Political Violence," International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Harris1996_5-0)** Harris, William (1996). *Faces of Lebanon: Sects, Wars, and Global Extensions*. pp. 164–165.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Hanf1993_6-0)** Hanf, Theodor (1993). *Coexistence in Wartime Lebanon*. pp. 234–237.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Lebanese Christians Are Slain by Gunmen"](https://www.nytimes.com/1978/06/29/archives/lebanese-christians-are-slain-by-gunmen-22-dead-are-reported-found.html). *The New York Times*. 29 June 1978.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Syrian army crosses into Lebanon, snatches farmer"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120902004244/http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2012/Sep-01/186381-syrian-army-crosses-into-lebanon-snatches-farmer.ashx#axzz25GqruVRr). [The Daily Star (Lebanon)](/source/The_Daily_Star_(Lebanon)). Archived from [the original](http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2012/Sep-01/186381-syrian-army-crosses-into-lebanon-snatches-farmer.ashx#axzz25GqruVRr) on 2012-09-02. Retrieved 2012-09-02.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Lebanon: Christian village hit by multiple suicide attacks"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-36637378). [BBC News](/source/BBC_News). 27 June 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Suicide bombers strike Lebanese village, kill five"](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-lebanon-idUSKCN0ZD09C). *U.S*. 27 June 2016 – via [Reuters](/source/Reuters).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Andrew Doran (28 June 2016). ["ISIS in Lebanon: The courage of a Christian town on the frontline of Jihad"](http://www.newsweek.com/isis-lebanon-courage-christian-town-frontlines-jihad-629409). [Newsweek](/source/Newsweek).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Fleisch, Henri., Notes de Préhistoire Libanaise : 1) Ard es Saoude. 2) La Bekaa Nord. 3) Un polissoir en plein air. BSPF, vol. 63, 1966.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Talass, Rawaa (2026-04-04). ["In a Time of Conflict, Lebanon Installs One of the Largest Statues of Christ in the Region"](https://www.voguearabia.com/article/lebanon-statue-of-christ). *Vogue Arabia*. Retrieved 2026-04-21.

## Bibliography

- [Robinson, E.](/source/Edward_Robinson_(scholar)); [Smith, E.](/source/Eli_Smith) (1841). [*Biblical Researches in Palestine, Mount Sinai and Arabia Petraea: A Journal of Travels in the year 1838*](https://archive.org/details/biblicalresearch03robiuoft). Vol. 3. Boston: [Crocker & Brewster](/source/Crocker_%26_Brewster).

## External links

- [Qaa Baalbek](http://www.localiban.org/article4049.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161009161629/http://www.localiban.org/article4049.html) 2016-10-09 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), Localiban

- [Image of the landscape of Qaa including massive stone block](http://almashriq.hiof.no/ddc/projects/mot/photobase/images/MT8/JPEG0527.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20040708222327/http://almashriq.hiof.no/ddc/projects/mot/photobase/images/MT8/JPEG0527.html) 2004-07-08 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

v t e Baalbek District, Baalbek-Hermel Governorate Capital: Baalbek Towns and villages Ain Ainata Al-Nabi Shayth Arsal Baalbek Barka Bednayel Bechwat Beit Chama - Aaqidiyeh Brital Btadhi Bodai Chaat Chlifa Deir el Ahmar Duris Fakiha - Jdeydeh Fleweh Hadath Baalbek Hallanieh Haouch Barada Haouch Er Rafqa Haouch Snaid Haouch Tall Safiyeh Harbata Hizzine Hlabta Iaat Jabbouleh Janta Jebaa Jdeide Kasarnaba Kfar Dane Khodr Khraibeh Kneisseh Laat Labweh Majdloun Mikna Nabi Osman Nahleh Qaa Qarha Ram - Jbenniyeh Ras Baalbek Ras el Hadis Saayde Seriine el Fawka Seriine el Tahta Shmustar - Gharbi Baalbek Talya Taraya Taybeh Temnin el-Foka Temnine Et Tahta Tfail Wadi Faara Yammouneh Younine Notable landmarks Ard Tlaili Jabal es Saaïdé

v t e Archaeological sites in Lebanon Aadloun Aaiha Aammiq Aaqbe Ain Aata Ain Choaab Ain Harcha Akbiyeh Akkar plain foothills Al-Bireh Amioun Amlaq Qatih Anjar, Lebanon Antelias Cave Apheca Ard Saouda Ard Tlaili Arqa Augusti Pagus Baalbek Baidar ech Chamout Batroumine Batroun Bechamoun Beirut Beit Mery Belat temple Berytus (Roman Beirut) Bustan Birke Byblos Canalizations of Zenobia Dahr El Ahmar Dakoue Deir Al-Ahmar Deir al-Ashayer Deir Mar Maroun Dekwaneh Douris (Baalbek) Elaea (Lebanon) Flaoui Fadous Sud Hebbariye Hadeth south Haret ech Cheikh Hashbai Heliopolis in Phoenicia Hermel plains Iaat Jabal es Saaïdé Jbaa Jdeideh Jebel Aabeby Jeita Grotto Joub Jannine Jieh Kafr Zabad Kamid el-Loz Kamouh el Hermel Karak Nuh Kaukaba Kefraya Kafr Tebnit Kfar Qouq Kfarhata Khallet Michte Kharayeb Khirbet El-Knese Kouachra megalith field Ksar Akil Labweh Lake Qaraoun (Ain Jaouze) Libbaya Lion Tower Majdal Anjar Mansourieh Maronite mummies Mayrouba Mdoukha (Jebel Kassir) Moukhtara Mtaileb Nabi Zair Nachcharini Nahle, Lebanon Neba'a Faour Nebi Safa Hosn Niha Phoenician port of Beirut Plain of Zgharta Qaa Qal'at Bustra Qalaat Tannour Qaraoun Qasr el Banat Ras Baalbek I Ras Beirut Ras El Kelb Rashaya Roman Forum of Berytus Roman hippodrome of Berytus Roman temple of Bziza Sands of Beirut Saraain El Faouqa Shheem Sidon Sin el Fil Sarepta Stone of the Pregnant Woman Tahun ben Aissa Taire Tayibe Tell Aalaq Tell Ablah Tell Addus Tell Ahle Tell Ain Cerif Tell Ain el Meten Tell Ain Ghessali Tell Ain Nfaikh Tell Ain Saouda Tell Ain Sofar Tell Ayoub Tell Bar Elias Tell Beshara Tell Bir Dakoue Tell Deir Tell Delhamieh Tell Derzenoun Tell Dibbine Tell el-Burak Tell El Ghassil Tell El Hadeth Tell Fadous Tell Hazzine Tell Hoch Rafqa Tell Karmita Tell Khardane Tell Kirri Tell Jezireh Tell Jisr Tell Kabb Elias Tell Majdaloun Tell Masoud Tell Mekhada Tell Meouchi Tell Mureibit Tell Murtafa Tell Nahariyah Tell Neba'a Chaate Tell Neba'a Litani Tell Qasr Labwe Tell Rasm El Hadeth Tell Rayak Tell Saatiya Tell Safiyeh Tell Saoudhi Tell Serhan Tell Shaikh Hassan al Rai Tell Shamsine Tell Sultan Yakoub Tell Taalabaya Tell Wardeen Tell Zenoub Tell Zeitoun Temnin el-Foka Temple of Bacchus Temple of Eshmun Temple of Jupiter Temple of the Obelisks Toron Tripolis (region of Phoenicia) Tyre Necropolis Tyre Umm al-Amad Wadi Koura Wadi Yaroun Yammoune Yanta Ain W Zain Zahlé

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