The Bouery Family

The Bouery family is a distinguished lineage, known for its deep historical roots and influential presence, particularly in Lebanon and France. Originating from a background that is rumored to have connections with the noble Bourbon family, the Bouery’s have been integral to the sociopolitical and cultural landscapes of their communities for generations.

The family's prominence came to the forefront with Beshara Bouery, who played a pivotal role in Lebanon's struggle for independence in the early 20th century. His contributions not only solidified the family’s status as national heroes but also showcased their commitment to political and social causes.

In France, the family's significance is equally notable, especially with figures like André Bouery, a musician and poet born in 1821 to Jean-Louis Bouery, a captain and mayor of Aspet. André Bouery’s artistic contributions have left an enduring mark on French culture, particularly through his works in the Gascon dialect.

The Bouery family's historical significance is also marked by their ownership of extensive tracts along the Jounieh coast. They even demonstrated their deep ties to the Jounieh region through generous donations of land for public use, including for the construction of the Jounieh municipality.

Politically, the Bouery’s have held numerous significant positions in Lebanon, often serving as mayors, vice-mayors, or deputies. Fouad Bouery notably served as vice mayor of Jounieh, further highlighting the family's commitment to civic responsibility and leadership.

Family Name Origins

Some intriguing rumors circulate about the origins and influence of the Bouery family, hinting at a possible descent from the illustrious Bourbon dynasty. This noble lineage is thought to be the reason behind the family's enduring good relationships within French political circles. This connection seemingly facilitated the return of many family members to their ancestral homeland, France, particularly to the Alps department, with others settling between haute vienne department, Paris and Monaco.

Further adding to the mystique surrounding the family's history, the name of the Lebanese city of Bouar is speculated by some to have originated from the Bouery family name. An alternative theory posits that before settling on the Lebanese coast, the family was known as Bourbon. Upon their arrival in the city of Bouar, they adopted the name Bouery, inspired by the local name for fish, 'bour,' abundant in the area. The nickname, ' أولاد البوربون ' ('Children of the Bourbon'), is sometimes used in Lebanon to refer to them.

The Bouery and Ottoman Connection in Ghadir

The intricate tapestry of Middle Eastern history is vividly illustrated through the interwoven stories of the Ottoman Empire's elite and the prominent Bouery family of Lebanon. In the quaint town of Ghadir, nestled on the slopes overlooking the picturesque bay of Jounieh, stand two large dwellings that are starkly different from their surroundings both in architecture and scale. These homes, which once belonged to important Ottoman personalities during the era of the Mutassarefs—governors appointed to administer Mount Lebanon—echo the tales of a bygone imperial past. The residences, as they stood majestically, were symbols of the Ottoman administrative and cultural hegemony, serving as homes to select members of the Sultan's lineage, including Emir Bassem and Emir Saleem, direct descendants of Sultan Abdul Hamid II. These figures, accompanied by their extensive entourage of secretaries and servants, sought refuge from the disintegrating Ottoman authority in the aftermath of World War I.

The connection between the Bouery family and these Ottoman descendants is historically significant and deeply symbolic. Emir Basem and his wife, for instance, found sanctuary in the house of the Bouery family. This intertwining of lives between Lebanese locals and Ottoman refugees encapsulates a critical moment of cultural and political transition. The Bouery home in Ghadir, a robust two-story structure crafted from hewn stone, became more than just a residence; it transformed into a repository of shared histories and a witness to the fading glory of an empire. The house, with its red-tiled roof and spacious interiors including sitting-rooms, bedrooms, and a beautiful interior patio, reflects the architectural preferences of the era, emphasizing functionality as much as form. However, as grand as these homes once were, their current state of slow decay prompts a reflection on the impermanence of power and the enduring nature of cultural heritage.

The broader historical context in which these events unfolded is marked by the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I and the subsequent realignment of the Middle Eastern political landscape under the auspices of the Franco-British alliance. This period not only altered geopolitical realities but also led to significant social shifts within the region. The once-dominant Ottomans had to adapt to new roles in a rapidly changing world, and the Bouery family's engagement with these historical figures illustrates a unique aspect of Lebanese resilience and adaptability.

Today, the legacy of the Bouery family and their connection to the remnants of the Ottoman Empire resonate through the walls of their aging yet majestic home. Preserving this home, and by extension the stories it holds, is crucial not only for historical scholarship but also for maintaining a tangible connection to the past that shapes contemporary identities. The Bouery residence, with its ornate ceilings and vibrant tiles, stands as a testament to a time when cultures converged under the roof of necessity and history, creating a mosaic of memories that continue to define the heritage of Ghadir and the broader Lebanese narrative.

Beshara Bouery: A Pivotal Figure in Lebanese Independence

Beshara Bouery, an eminent figure in the annals of Lebanese history, played a crucial role during a transformative period marked by World War I and its aftermath. His efforts were not only pivotal in challenging the dominance of the Ottoman Empire but also in laying the groundwork for the eventual establishment of Greater Lebanon in 1920.

Undermining Ottoman Naval Power

During World War I, the Ottoman Empire aligned itself with the Central Powers, which included Germany and Austria-Hungary. This alliance brought significant military and logistical challenges to the regions under Ottoman control, including what is now Lebanon. Amidst this backdrop, Beshara Bouery spearheaded a daring initiative to dismantle the Ottoman naval supremacy in the Eastern Mediterranean. By establishing an intricate spy network between Arwad Island and the Lebanese coast, Bouery effectively disrupted the Ottoman logistical and military operations in the area. His strategic acumen not only weakened the Ottoman hold on the region but also facilitated clandestine operations that were crucial for the survival of the local population.

Humanitarian Efforts During the Famine

The period during and after World War I was marked by severe hardships in Lebanon, notably the great famine that devastated the population. Bouery's network was instrumental in smuggling essential supplies and financial aid to the beleaguered Lebanese people. His actions saved hundreds from the grips of starvation and death, cementing his legacy as a savior in the eyes of many. His humanitarian endeavors highlighted his deep commitment to the welfare of his fellow countrymen, a trait that earned him both reverence and loyalty among the Lebanese populace.

Political Advocacy and the Vision of Greater Lebanon

Beyond his military and humanitarian contributions, Beshara Bouery was deeply involved in the political processes that shaped the region's future. After the war, he became a prominent member of the delegations that participated in the peace negotiations. His diplomatic efforts were focused on advocating for an independent Lebanese state, free from Ottoman or any foreign control. His vision was a "Greater Lebanon" that would encompass all Lebanese people, transcending religious and regional divides. This dream was realised in 1920, when the state of Greater Lebanon was officially declared under the French Mandate, thanks to the tireless advocacy of Bouery and his colleagues.

Legacy and Death

Despite facing significant personal risk, including a death sentence decreed by Djemal Pasha, the infamous Ottoman governor, Bouery remained undeterred. His resilience and unwavering dedication to the cause of Lebanese independence were instrumental in his survival and continued influence until his peaceful death in 1936. Beshara Bouery's legacy is remembered as one of courage, intellect, and an unrelenting dedication to his nation's sovereignty and well-being. His life and work remain a beacon of national pride and are celebrated as foundational in the story of Lebanese independence.

Through his strategic brilliance, humanitarian efforts, and political advocacy, Beshara Bouery emerged as a central figure in the narrative of Lebanon's quest for independence, embodying the spirit of a nation's struggle against oppression and its journey towards self-determination.

Fouad Bouery's Political Career in Jounieh

Fouad Bouery has been a prominent figure in Jounieh’s municipal governance. During Toni Frem’s tenure as mayor, Bouery served as the vice mayor, playing a pivotal role in the city’s administration and development. His tenure highlighted his dedication to public service and his leadership within the municipal council.

The 2019 Municipal Elections: A Head-to-Head Battle

The 2019 municipal elections in Jounieh were among the most closely watched and fiercely contested in Lebanon—considered by many as the second hardest election after Beirut, given the city’s symbolic and political importance. The stakes were further heightened by the involvement of Michel Aoun, then president of Lebanon and founder of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM).

• Juan Hobeiche, leading the "Dignité" list, was strongly backed by the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) and the Kataeb Party, enjoying the explicit support of President Michel Aoun. In a rare intervention, President Aoun even addressed voters publicly, urging them to vote against Fouad Bouery and for Juan Hobeiche, effectively framing the election as a contest between the presidential backing and Bouery’s local influence.
• Fouad Bouery, representing the opposition, led a formidable campaign backed by Neemat Frem, former MPs Farid Haïkal el-Khazen and Mansour Ghanem el-Bone, and the Lebanese Forces. Despite the challenges, Bouery’s platform resonated strongly with a significant portion of Jounieh’s electorate.

The election turned into a head-to-head battle between Bouery and Hobeiche, reflecting deep political divisions. Juan Hobeiche narrowly secured re-election as mayor with 4,808 votes, while Fouad Bouery received 4,570 votes, a margin of only 238 votes. The slim difference underscored the highly competitive nature of the race and the polarized loyalties in Jounieh.

Legacy and Impact

Despite not winning the mayoral seat, Bouery retained his position as a council member, ensuring his continued influence in the city’s governance. His candidacy highlighted his strong support base and enduring commitment to public service, even when facing the combined force of presidential backing and political alliances.

The 2019 election solidified Jounieh's reputation as one of Lebanon’s most politically significant and competitive municipalities, reflecting its importance as a symbolic and strategic hub in the country.

Andrew Bouery (André Bouéry in French)

Andrew Bouery was a 19th-century French musician and poet, born on February 11, 1821, in Luchon and died on April 9, 1879, in Pamiers. He was known for his contributions to the cultural life of the Gascon region and his works predominantly in the Gascon dialect of the Occitan language.

Biography:

François-Clément-André-Dominique Bouéry, the son of Jean-Louis Bouéry (a captain, tanner, and mayor of Aspet) and Marie-Jeanne Barrère, spent his early years in Aspet, a place that deeply influenced his artistic output. He was noted for his literary sensitivity early on while attending the seminary in Polignan (now Polignan-Montréjeau). Around 1844, he worked for the Registration office in Aspet and founded and directed both the band and choral society there, which continued until 1914. He married Marie Refouil in 1851, with whom he had three children, two of whom died young. He ended his administrative career as a conservator of mortgages in Pamiers, where he is also buried.

Work:

Bouéry’s oeuvre is divided into three distinct parts: adaptations or imitations of classical works by composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, which he complemented with French lyrics; noëls and hymns for parish ceremonies in Aspet; and personal compositions in Pyrenean Gascon. His musical compositions were tailored to the diatonic carillons of Aspet's church, which he helped install. He first published some of his poems in 1872 under the title "Cansous d'éd campanè d'Aspet = Chansons patoises du sonneur d'Aspet: Avec la traduction en vers français similaires." His songs became nationally known, particularly those included in school textbooks.

André Bouéry's legacy includes not only his contribution to French musical and poetic culture but also his role in preserving and celebrating the Gascon language and culture through his artistic endeavors.

Bois de Bouéry (Bouery Forest)

The Bois de Bouery, located in the northern Haute-Vienne within the broader region of Limousin, France, stands as a significant and ecologically rich forest area covering over 240 hectares. This ancient forest, as denoted by historical maps like those of Cassini and Etat-major, has long been a vital part of the local landscape, serving both ecological and cultural functions.

Primarily composed of acidic oak woodlands, including sessile and pedunculate oaks along with birch trees, Bois de Bouery hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna, reflective of the region’s ecological richness. The forest provides crucial habitat for various species, particularly notable for its avian and bat populations, which include species such as the European Honey Buzzard and several types of Pipistrelle bats.

Human activities such as forestry and agriculture coexist within the forest boundaries, indicating a landscape that has been utilized and managed for various purposes over centuries. However, the forest is also facing potential threats from development projects like wind farms, which could impact its ecological balance and the preservation of its cultural heritage.

Overall, Bois de Bouery is not only a critical ecological asset but also a custodian of deep historical narratives, offering insights into the region’s prehistoric past and ongoing natural history. Its conservation is vital for maintaining the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Haute-Vienne area.

Bouery Dolmen

The Bouery Dolmen is a significant megalithic monument located in Mailhac-sur-Benaize, in the Creuse department of France. This prehistoric site is considered one of the most important in the region, drawing numerous visitors each year due to its historical significance, unique features, and mysterious allure.

Dating back over 5,000 years to the Neolithic period, the Bouery Dolmen reflects a time when humans transitioned from hunter-gatherers to a more settled way of life involving agriculture and animal husbandry. Dolmens like this one were constructed by these early communities to honor and bury their dead, particularly the chieftains or significant members of the community, providing them with a burial site befitting their status.

The structure of the Bouery Dolmen is composed of several large stones, with the largest measuring approximately 4 meters in length and 2 meters in height. It features multiple burial chambers where bodies were laid to rest, as well as an access corridor leading to the main entrance. The precision with which these stones were cut and assembled showcases the advanced construction techniques of the time.

What makes the Bouery Dolmen particularly intriguing is its geographical setting. Positioned atop a hill, it is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. From the site, visitors can view the Monédières mountains and the Auvergne mounts, making it a favored spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The dolmen is also of great interest to archaeologists and historians as it provides insights into the lives of people during the Neolithic era. Recognized as one of the region's most important megalithic monuments, the Bouery Dolmen was declared a historic monument in 1934.

Today, the Bouery Dolmen stands as an exceptional testament to the history and culture of Neolithic humans. Its stunning location, combined with its significant historical and archaeological importance, makes it an essential destination for anyone interested in the history of France and prehistoric times.