****Bteghrine (, also spelled Bteghrin and Btighrin) is a municipality in the Matn District of the Mount Lebanon Governorate of Lebanon.

Etymology

The exact origin of the town name Bteghrine is unknown, but possibilities include Place of Warriors, Place of Rocks, and House of the Saddest – references to a large battle in the area around 1290 that resulted in thousands of deaths. This date corresponds closely with the rise of the Mamluks, a period which saw numerous battles in the area, including a 1291 rebellion by the Shi'a against the new rulers in Keserwan, the district on the northern border of the Matn.

Geography

Bteghrine is located at 33.93°N, 35.745°W. It is bordered by Mount Sannine to the east, Wadi el-Jamajem to the north, Jouar to the west, and Khenchara to the south. The municipality is composed of seven neighborhoods and four outlying areas.

Neighborhoods

Outlying areas

Water

There are several springs used for both drinking water and agricultural purposes in Bteghrine. The four primary springs are Zaarour, Manboukh, Mir, and Sparta.

Agriculture

Bteghrine is situated on a rocky hillside, but supports a self-sufficient agriculture. Most of the land within the city and the surrounding hills, including the Meisree and Bsefrine districts, was terraced to make it more suited for planting. The most common fruits and vegetables grown in Bteghrine are: figs, grapes, mulberry, plums, apples, peaches, persimmon, pomegranate, cherries, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, mint, wheat, and beans. Small shops in the town process much of the local produce into arak, molasses, wine, and preserves.

Economy

The Saliba Nail and Screw factory is the largest single plant in Bteghrine. Additionally, the town has a large number of small shops for blacksmithing, woodworking, car repair and bodywork, leather tailoring, and aluminum manufacturing.

Education

There is one public school in the town named Bteghrine Public School, and one private Catholic school.

Religion

The vast majority of inhabitants of Bteghrine are Christians, with roughly 80% Greek Orthodox and 20% Melkite Catholic.

Churches

Famous Bteghrineites