Written correspondence indicates Grandpa was born in Ein-El-Zitouney-El-Meten.

Ein-El-Zitouney is a two-part word. (Ein = eye), (El-Zitouney in this sentence refers to the Olive tree). Ein-El-Zitouney is a part of the bark of the tree; it is circular and was used to tell the age of the olive tree to value the piece of land the tree grows on and to determine the yearly volume of olive and olive oil.

El-Meten is the name of the county. El-Meten is approximately 25 miles northwest of Beirut. El-Meten is a coastal county on the Mediterranean.

El-Zitouney is a very small village and is not easily found on Internet maps. Conversations with friends who have lived in Lebanon have told us El-Zitouney is a small village near or within the town or city of Ras el Metn. Photos of the town have been taken and today the town is comprised of about only 10-12 homes/dwellings.

Most of the county of El-Meten is agriculturally based. At the turn of the century when Carter Salem was a child many people made their living raising goats, sheep, cattle, pigs and chickens. Many other people farmed wheat and olives.

A recent photo (2002) of a sign announcing the entrance to the village of Ein-El-Zitouney.

A recent photo (2002) of the home Carter Salem owned and lived in. It is still occupied by descendents of Carter Salem)

Lebanon is a coastal country situated along the shore of the Mediterranean Ocean. Beirut, what is now the capital of Lebanon, was his port of departure.

My Great grandfathers’ town is located about 25 miles north west of Beirut. He most probably traveled on foot to the docks in Beirut. He probably carried most of his belongings.

Most family members have said he traveled alone leaving all family members behind.

An old photo of Carter Salem and his brother Joseph Salem that was kept by family members in Lebanon.

A recent photo (2002) of Josefeen in her home/Carter’s old home in El-Zitouney. Josefeen is a niece to Carter Salem. Josefeen is the oldest known living relative in Lebanon.

The stone foundation of Saleem Mouffrage’ s original home.

A church and winery in El-Zitouney