Niha Fortress

Overview

The troglodytic fort of Niha — known as “Chqif Tayroun” — is an extraordinary historical site in the village of Niha, in the Shouf district of southern Mount Lebanon. Perched on a narrow ledge of a large cliff, the fort dominates the Jezzine Valley (also called the Aray and Bhannine Valley, after the two localities within it). The Jezzine River flows through the valley and joins the Barouk River to form the Bisri River, one of Lebanon’s largest.

The fortress is built into a natural hollow in the cliff, further shaped by human hands. Running south to north along the sinuous relief, the occupied section extends about 300 m in length and never exceeds 10 m in width. Every room carved into the cliff faces west, giving breathtaking views — on clear spring days, visitors can even glimpse the Mediterranean on the horizon.

Geology

The Niha cliff marks the western boundary of Jabal Niha and consists of a succession of layers from the Jurassic (199–150 million years ago) and Cretaceous (145–70 million years ago). These are primarily limestone; from the highest layer downward they run Séquanien–Kimméridgien, then Barrémien, Albien, Lutétien supérieur, and finally Cénomanien.

Biodiversity

Niha hosts a significant population of rock hyrax, whose social group dynamics draw visitors eager to photograph them. Conservation efforts within the reserve have made Niha home to the largest rock hyrax population in Lebanon, supported by the area’s rocky cliffs and lush vegetation.

Less well known is the notable presence of the Indian crested porcupine at defined spots along the cliffs. The species shows consistent behaviour in these areas, possibly linked to a dietary need for salts found in the geological formations — a connection that merits further investigation.

Why it matters

The rock hyrax faces endangerment in Lebanon, largely from hunting and the encroachment of urbanisation into forested habitats. Niha’s rich biodiversity and its dedication to conservation make it a pivotal refuge for these species — and potentially for the Indian crested porcupine as well.