Balamand Monastery
On the grounds of the monastery has been established the University of Balamand, founded by the Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius IV of Antioch in 1988, though the university claims to be secular and a distinct institution.
History
Local legend in Lebanon reports that when Bohemond VII of Antioch escaped Latakia after it was taken by Qalawun in 1287, he hid in the village of Toula, Batroun, in the Northern Lebanese mountains. Legend has it that he lived there for a while, and produced offspring, from which the Prince, Conte, Zeeni and Aboujaoude families claim descent.Sam S. Abujawdeh, The Aboujaoudes Origins The Balamand Monastery in Batroun is reputed a gift of the Prince's family, and now hosts the major University of Balamand, Balamand being a local adaptation of Bohemond.