A Journey Through Time in Sidon

As I embarked on my journey to Sidon, I was filled with a sense of anticipation and reverence. This ancient city, one of the oldest Phoenician cities, has a history that stretches back to the 3rd millennium BC. Known for its purple dyes and glassware, Sidon was a city that Jesus himself visited. Walking through its streets, I felt the weight of history around me, each stone whispering tales of the past.

The Crusaders Sea Castle was my first stop, a fortress built in the thirteenth century on a small island. As I crossed the causeway connecting it to the mainland, I imagined the crusaders who once stood where I was standing. The castle, largely destroyed by the Mamluks in 1291 and later restored, still holds an aura of majesty. The sea breeze carried with it the echoes of battles fought and won, and I found myself lost in thought, contemplating the transient nature of power and glory.

Khan al-Franj, a 17th-century hotel and center for commercial exchange, was my next destination. This khan, with its large rectangular courtyard and central fountain, was a hub of culture and civilization. As I wandered through its covered galleries, I could almost hear the bustling sounds of merchants and diplomats from centuries past. It was a reminder of the interconnectedness of our world, a theme that resonates deeply with my own journey as a scholar and traveler.

The Sacred Soaps of Sidon

The Soap Museum in Sidon was a delightful surprise. This museum, housed in a building that dates back to the 17th century, traces the history of soap making in the region. As I watched a demonstration of traditional olive oil soap making, I was struck by the simplicity and purity of the process. It was a reminder of the beauty in everyday rituals, a theme that often emerges in my explorations of spiritual practices.

The museum also introduced me to the history of the “hammam” traditions, a subject that has always fascinated me. The artifacts on display, including clay pipe heads and pottery fragments, offered a glimpse into the daily lives of those who lived centuries ago. It was a humbling experience, reminding me of the continuity of human experience across time and space.

As I left the museum, I felt a renewed appreciation for the small, seemingly mundane aspects of life that connect us to our ancestors. It was a spiritual awakening of sorts, a reminder that the sacred can be found in the most unexpected places.

A Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Mantara

My journey culminated in a visit to Our Lady of Mantara in Maghdouché, a Melkite Greek Catholic shrine. This sacred site, discovered in 1721, is believed to be the cave where the Virgin Mary rested while waiting for Jesus. As I stood before the statue of the Virgin and Child, I was enveloped by a profound sense of peace and reflection.

The shrine, with its cathedral, cemetery, and sacred cave, is a place of pilgrimage for many. As I explored the site, I was reminded of the power of faith and the enduring nature of spiritual journeys. It was a moment of introspection, a chance to connect with the divine and reflect on my own spiritual path.

Leaving Maghdouché, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history and faith. This journey through Sidon, Tyre, and Maghdouché was more than just a travel experience; it was a pilgrimage that enriched my soul and deepened my understanding of the sacred connections that bind us all.