delegation of the local, reformist Liberal Party issued a set of demands in Beit ed-Dine calling for reforms such as the abolition of new taxes and the dismissal of corrupt officials. The governor of Beirut Vilayet, Yusuf Pasha, rejected the demands and ordered the demonstrator's dispersal. However, the Ottoman garrison in Beit ed-Dine sympathized with the demonstrators and refused to disperse them. The governor ultimately acceded to the demonstrators' demands. Modern Era In 1943, Bechara El Khoury, the first Lebanese President, declared it the official president's summer residence. During the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) it was heavily damaged. After 1984, when fighting in the area receded, Walid Jumblatt ordered its restoration. Parts of the palace are today open to the public while the rest is still the president's summer residence. Bashir built three more palaces in the town for his sons, till today only Mir Amin Palace survived and is today a luxury hotel. Beiteddine is home to a Lebanese Red Cross First Aid Center. See also Architecture of Lebanon References Bibliography External links Text of Beit El Dine and virtual tour image MiddleEast.com LebGuide Lebanon, the Cedars' Land: Beiteddine Populated places in Chouf District Eastern Orthodox Christian communities in Lebanon Maronite Christian communities in Lebanon Melkite Christian communities in Lebanon