635 A.D Douma the Shelter
Prince Hanna was accompanied by his 8 children: Chalhoub, Hares, Massoud, Assaad, Habib, Abboud, Malek, and their sister Hind, their cousins and some of his followers after Syria was taken by Obaida Ben Al Jarrah and the refusal of our grandfather to marry his daughter to one of the conquering princes.
They fled to Lebanon, their journey led them to Douma, a small village in the Northern Lebanon Mountains known for its natural beauty and its spring water. At first, Douma’s inhabitants were hesitant in welcoming Abi Chalhoub and his followers. In time, they saw he had good intentions and asked him to be the leader “Mokaddem” of the village.
During Prince Hanna’s years, Douma prospered and enjoyed great stability. The people admired and respected him and his family. Prince Hanna’s heirs continued to lead Douma until 1791 when Youssef Chalhoub’s widow took control since their son was under age. She was the first woman to act as the leader of a Lebanese village.
