Musa Dagh Factoids

For The Week of January 2, 2000

What is the origin(s) of the name "Musa" Dagh?

There are three possible explanations:

1. It could have been based on the name of the Prophet Moses.
2. It could have been derived from Zeus's winged daughters known as the Muses (inspiration or musa), who used to fly and rest atop mountains in the Hellenistic World, of which Musa Dagh was part.
3. It could have been named after a regional prince or ruler called Amir Musa.

At any rate, in the past Musa Dagh, Jabal Musa or Musa Ler was known by other designations as well.