Cheikh Mohammad (Arabic: الشيخ محمد) is a village situated in Akkar Governorate, Lebanon. Situated 400 metres above sea level, in between two mountains, it overlooks the Akkar plains and sea. It is made up of approximately 450 houses, with 99% of the population being Christian, mostly Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholics and Maronites.[2] This small village contains two schools, a primary and secondary as well as two churches, one dating back hundreds of years. It also has the first hospital in Akkar, named "Akkar Rahal Hospital". [citation needed]
History
In 1838, Eli Smith noted the village, whose inhabitants were Greek Orthodox, located in the 'Akkar region.[3]
The Village is divided into two sections, the upper and the lower. The upper is predominantly made up of the Fares, Bitar, Khoury and Al Rahbawy families. The lower is predominantly made up of the Fares El-Cheikh, Rahal, Mahfoud, Boustani, Taoum, Helwe, and Yaacoub families, with the Fares family being the biggest and wealthiest. Although many of the families members have travelled abroad to escape the civil war of 1975–1990, many have returned in recent years. Many of them have also expanded and moved to many countries including Australia, United States of America, Canada, France, Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina.[citation needed]
Cheikh Mohammad is a five-minute walk away from Halba, the capital city of Akkar Governorate, providing quick access to all household needs.
