Chekka

North Lebanon, Lebanon

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Chekka is a coastal town in the North Governorate of Lebanon, in the Batroun District. It is situated along the Mediterranean Sea, north of Râs ach-Chaq’a’ and Herri beaches and south of the ancient port of Enfeh and the city of Tripoli. The town sits between the flat coastal strip and the foothills of Mount Lebanon, with its highest point reaching about 200 meters above sea level. This area is well-known for its chalk and limestone formations, often referred to as the "Chekka formation," which are used in cement production today.

Chekka has a long history and its name is believed to come from the Canaanite word “Chikitta.” Ancient records from Egypt mention a town called Chikitta in this area, but no archaeological evidence of a Canaanite settlement has yet been found here. The modern history of Chekka began about 300 years ago, when people moved from Mount Lebanon to resettle and farm the fertile valley, establishing it as a Maronite Christian stronghold on the coast.

The region around Chekka is rich in water resources, including freshwater submarine springs under the sea, which have been studied for their potential use. Archeological research has revealed the remains of ancient settlements in Chekka, especially the site of Tell Mirhan. Tell Mirhan, a mound on the Mediterranean shore, was once a major harbor town during the Middle Bronze Age and Iron Age, serving as a hub for international trade, especially the export of Lebanese timber to Egypt and Cyprus. The tell had a large fortification system and evidence of pottery and imports from Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece, showing the region’s importance over a thousand years.

Unfortunately, much of Tell Mirhan has been damaged by construction and cement factory development. A notable landmark in the town is the Chekka Historic Tunnel, built in the early 20th century during the French Mandate period. The tunnel is about 350 meters long, carved straight through solid rock, and once served as a key railway connection along Lebanon’s coastline. Today, it stands as a historical tourist attraction for visitors interested in the country’s engineering heritage.