2-889-571 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Emir Khanjar, the Prince of Baalbeck, Leader of the Insurrection of Damascus, 1850. Portrait of Khanjar bin Melhem Al-Harfouche: ''the present Emir...is one of the most daring soldiers and distinguished jereed players in any part of Asia. He on frequent occasions put the Turkish troops at defiance with a small troop of his own horsemen; and, when closely pressed, betook himself to his mountain fastnesses north of Baalbeck, and about the Lebanon north of the "cedars" of Lebanon. He on other occasions offered his services to the authorities at Damascus...The present Government in Syria is not allowed a fair opportunity of carrying out its objects: it is hampered by too much European intrigue and petty official diplomacy-worse than useless in its efforts'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.