# Gibelacar

- **Country:** Lebanon
- **Coordinates:** 34.525000, 36.241667

Gibelacar, also known historically as Hisn Ibn Akkar and currently as Qal'at Akkar, is a significant archaeological fortress located in the village of Akkar al-Atiqa within the Akkar District of northern Lebanon. Situated on a narrow ridge at an elevation of 700 meters, the site commands strategic views over the mountain roads and the Homs Gap, lying just 27 kilometers south of the famous Krak des Chevaliers in Syria. The fortress was originally constructed around the year 1000 by Muhriz ibn Akkar during the Fatimid era. Its architectural remains, which stretch across a 200-meter ridge between two ravines, include a well-preserved tower at the southern end, though the majority of the complex is now in a ruined condition.

The historical significance of Gibelacar spans several major eras of Middle Eastern conflict and governance. After its founding, it changed hands frequently, notably captured by Salih ibn Mirdas during a rebellion in 1024 before returning to Fatimid control. In the early 12th century, Crusader forces seized and utilized the stronghold until the Mamluk Sultanate captured and strengthened it in the late 13th century. Perhaps its most notable period of local influence occurred from 1579 through the mid-17th century, when it served as the headquarters for the powerful Sayfa clan. Under leaders like Yusuf Pasha, the clan governed the Tripoli Eyalet and managed tax farming operations throughout the region from this fortified base.

Today, Gibelacar stands as a testament to the region's turbulent military history, offering visitors a glimpse into centuries of strategic warfare and political shifts. While largely ruined, the site retains enough structural integrity, particularly its southern tower, to illustrate its former grandeur and defensive capabilities. The location continues to be recognized as a key landmark in the Mount Lebanon range, preserving the legacy of the Fatimid builders, Crusader occupiers, Mamluk engineers, and Ottoman-era governors who once controlled this vital passage between the coast and the interior.

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibelacar (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)