The Nahr-Ibrahim (in Arabic; نهر ابراهيم, River of Abraham) otherwise called the stream Adonis is a waterway that begins in the cave of Afqa (1,200 m) at Mont-Lebanon and streams into the Mediterranean a couple of kilometers south of Byblos in Lebanon. This waterway is the least polluted stream in Lebanon. It is named after Abraham of Cyrrhus, a follower of Saint Maron, known strikingly to have converted the vicinity into Christianity.
The valley of the Ibrahim River, is celebrated by its fans for both its chronicled and religious significance. A wild and delightful region, in agnostic circumstances a journey street kept running along its north side to Afqa, scene of the disastrous romantic tale of Venus (Astarte) and Adonis.
An Ottoman scaffold (bridge) worked in 1806 can be seen on the left of the street, not long after you exit the primary interstate. Upstream are various riverside bistros that make a lovely and cooling stop in summer. Furthermore, the east structures of a Roman Aqueduct are clearly detectable where the valley diverges and splits. A portion of the holding dividers of the water passage can be seen on the opposite cliff, while the single still standing arch has been renovated and maintained by the General Directorate of Antiquities. Proceeding along the same street, you will reach Mashnaqa, the Roman sanctuary of Yanuh, Aqoura and Afqa.
As per Greek and Phoenician mythology, Adonis, the lord of affection and magnificence, was murdered near a waterway by a boar sent by Ares (the God of War), or by Ares himself camouflaged as a boar. As indicated by the myth, the blood of Adonis sank into the water of the waterway, which would clarify the way that the water turns reddish in color at specific times. From that point forward it has been known as the "Adonis River", and its waters took this shading as a result of the sand which was created due to the erosion process of the red colored rocks of the Afqa Cave. This site makes a must-see destination for local visitors as well as tourists.
