Just over 100 years ago, the first Lebanese-Syrian families began to arrive in Louisville primarily from Bsharri, Lebanon. In fact, to this day in Louisville, most descendents of these families can trace their ancestry to just three or four villages in Lebanon. These first families were merchants, and the thriving Haymarket in downtown Louisville was bustling with Lebanese, Jewish, German, Polish, and other immigrant traders. Early Middle Eastern immigrants were primarily Maronite Catholics, and constructed churches that would become centers for many of the immigrants that would follow them to Louisville, based on the positive words that filtered back to villages.

Today in Louisville there are again a large number of first generation Middle Eastern immigrants, and their influence is evidenced by a growing number of mosques and orthodox churches. In addition, there are now two Islamic schools, an Islamic Center, several area Middle Eastern restaurants (some of which have live music and belly dancing), and grocery stores. These new neighbors come from diverse areas in the Middle East, but most share an ancient and storied culture, and Louisville Metro welcomes and honors the traditions that they have carried with them to their new home.