Los que llegaron - Libaneses (01/02/2012)

At the end of the 19th century, hundreds of immigrants of Lebanese origin began arriving in the Mexican ports of Tampico, Veracruz, and Progreso in search of better life opportunities. Several causes forced them to leave their country: centuries-old rivalries between Russians, Christians, and Muslims, as well as economic and political problems. In the second decade of the 20th century, the Lebanese community grew significantly with the arrival of new immigrants, numbering more than 10,000, including immigrants and their descendants, born in Mexico. They were often called "Turks," because they were subjects of the Ottoman Empire; or "Arabs," because of the language they spoke. A little over 125 years after their presence in Mexico, this community now comprises some 400,000 Lebanese by origin and descendants, found in almost every corner of the Mexican Republic. They are prominent Mexicans whose work and participation in social, cultural, business, sports, and intellectual life have a great presence and significance in our country.