Ras ash-Shaq'a

Ras ash-Shaq'a
Arabic: رأس الشقعة
Theoprosopon, Lithoprosopon
Promontory
1920 picture of Ras ash-Shaq'a, taken from the coast of al-Heri
Ras ash-Shaq'a
Location of Ras ash-Shaq'a in Lebanon
Coordinates: 34°18′45″N 35°41′15″E / 34.31250°N 35.68750°E / 34.31250; 35.68750
Official nameDeir el Nouriyeh cliffs of Ras Chekaa
Designated16 April 1999
Reference no.979

Ras ash-Shaq'a (alternative spelling Râs ach-Chaq’a’) is a promontory in north Lebanon, known in antiquity as Theoprosopon and Lithoprosopon. The promontory is situated between the ancient cities of Batroun and Tripoli; it creates a massive barrier that cuts through the coast of Lebanon, making it historically difficult for travelers to circumvent. Today's modern, coastal highway runs through the mass via two tunnels.