Claimant to the historic throne of Ghassan and Head of the Royal House of Ghassan

Gharios El Chemor Al-Numan VIII

(née. Ahnume Guerios, born 29 September 1973)

Recognized by the Republic of Lebanon – Presidential Decree No. 5800/2019

United Nations ECOSOC – Special Consultative Status

His Imperial and Royal Highness Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan is the Head of the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan, one of the oldest extant dynasties in the world, with direct descent from the Christian Arab kings of the Ghassanid Kingdom. The House historically governed large parts of the Levant under Byzantine protection until the 7th century and was later preserved through the El Chemor Sheikhs of Lebanon, whose princely titles were recognized under the Ottoman Empire and subsequently confirmed by the Lebanese Republic.

Prince Gharios presently leads the House as both a cultural and diplomatic sovereign, with international operations centered on humanitarian and interfaith engagement. Under his leadership, the Royal House of Ghassan has been granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), recognizing its active role in promoting peace, defending minority rights—particularly Christian communities in the Middle East—and fostering cross-cultural dialogue through soft diplomacy.

The Prince is widely respected as a statesman and advocate for human dignity, religious freedom, and cultural heritage. He has been received by presidents, prime ministers, ministers of foreign affairs, and high-ranking clerics across multiple continents. His diplomatic engagements include official meetings with institutions in Lebanon, Italy, Spain, Brazil, the United States, and the Vatican, among others.

In his capacity as Head of House, Prince Gharios actively promotes cooperative relations with states, international organizations, and civil society, and seeks formal recognition of the House’s status as an intergovernmental partner. The House’s long-standing legitimacy, affirmed by legal opinions and international arbitration awards under the New York Convention, offers a unique model of sovereign heritage adapted to the service of peace and multilateral diplomacy in the 21st century.

HIRH’s Honors & Awards include: Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem (2019): A prestigious papal order recognizing his commitment to Christian heritage and humanitarian service: United States Presidential Volunteer Service Award (2017): Honored for significant volunteer contributions in the U.S.; Arkansas Traveler Goodwill Ambassador (2017): Appointed as a symbolic envoy by the Governor of Arkansas, highlighting his role in international goodwill and public diplomacy; U.S. Special Congressional Recognitions (2014 and 2017): Commendations from the United States Congress for his community and humanitarian efforts; 5th-Degree Black Belt in Aikido (Aikikai Foundation, Tokyo): A testament to his decades-long dedication and mastery in martial arts; Inducted into the “Ultimate Warriors Hall of Fame” (2021): Recognition alongside martial arts legends such as Michael Jai White and Cynthia Rothrock; Member, Martial Arts Hall of Honor (2020): Acknowledgment of his distinguished achievements in martial arts; Action on Film ICON Award (2021): Awarded at the AOF Film Festival in Las Vegas, celebrating his contributions to film, martial arts, and cultural exchange; Honorary Board Member, Monaco Film Festival (2013): Recognized for his support and advocacy in the international arts and film community; Honorary Committee Member, Asian World Film Festival (2015): Acknowledged for his dedication to fostering cultural diplomacy through film; Global Imams Council Recognition (2020): His titles and work were formally acknowledged by a leading interfaith body representing over 1,000 Muslim clerics worldwide; and the 21st International Cultural Award, Trentino–Alto Adige, Italy (2024): The first Arab author to be honored for cultural and scholarly contributions.

For diplomatic correspondence or formal engagement, inquiries may be directed through the Chancellery of the Royal House of Ghassan.

The Legacy of the Ghassanids

The Ghassanid dynasty reached its zenith under the leadership of al-Harith V and al-Mundhir III. Both leaders were renowned for their military success as Byzantine allies, particularly in defense against the Lakhmids. Their efforts safeguarded Byzantium’s southern frontier and advanced its political and commercial interests across Arabia. However, the Ghassanids' unwavering dedication to Miaphysitism eventually led to tensions with Byzantium, culminating in the downfall and exile of al-Mundhir III and the dissolution of the Ghassanid federation in 586 AD. Despite this political setback, the Ghassanids' patronage of the Miaphysite Syrian Church ensured its survival and spread through missionary work into Arabia​.

Historian Warwick Ball suggests that the Ghassanids' efforts in promoting a stricter form of monotheistic Christianity within an Arab context may have foreshadowed the rise of Islam. Furthermore, their reign brought significant prosperity to the Arabs in eastern Syria, reflected in urban expansion and the construction of churches, monasteries, and other buildings. Ghassanid court culture, famed for its luxury and patronage of the arts, particularly Arab-language poetry, set a precedent for the Umayyad caliphs, who later emulated this cultural model​.

Following the dissolution of the Ghassanid kingdom in the 7th century, numerous Christian and Muslim dynasties laid claim to the Ghassanid heritage. These included the Phocid or Nikephorian Dynasty of the Byzantine Empire, the Rasulid Sultans of Yemen, and the Burji Mamluk Sultans of Egypt. The continuation of Ghassanid influence through these dynasties underscores the enduring relevance of the Ghassanid legacy​.

The Modern House of Ghassan

The modern House of Ghassan traces its lineage to the descendants of the last Ghassanid King, Chemor Jablah, who established his family in Lebanon. From 1211 to 1633, the descendants ruled the Principality of Al-Aqoura in the Byblos district and later Zgharta-Zwaiya, where the title of Royal Ghassanid rulers continued until 1747​. Today, the El Chemor family claims descent from these rulers, particularly Prince Sheikh Yousef El Chemor, who ruled in the 18th century. Various academic and governmental authorities, including the Augustan Society and the Lebanese government, have recognized the family's genealogical ties​.

HIRH Sheikh Antonios El Chemor

Born in 1910, Sheikh Antonios El Chemor spent his youth between Kferhata and his studies at Aintoura School, one of Lebanon’s prestigious institutions. He later moved to Marseille for further education and subsequently embarked on a successful career in trade in Nigeria, dealing in army supplies. Upon returning to Lebanon in the 1940s, he made substantial contributions to local infrastructure, including a large water grid serving 48 villages and roads, churches, mosques, and hospitals. His humanitarian efforts earned him recognition as a significant figure in Lebanon’s political and social circles​.

Sheikh Antonios married HRH Princess Laudy Chehab in 1953, and they had three sons: HIRH Prince Sheikh Selim El Chemor (b. 1954), HIRH Prince Sheikh Michel El Chemor (b. 1956), and HIRH Prince Sheikh Khalil El Chemor (b. 1960).

HRH Princess Laudy Chehab Al-Chemor was a Princess and a Shariffa by her own right descending from HRH Prince Bashir Chehab II "the Great", the Emir (or Prince) of Mount Lebanon from 1788 till 1840. She also descended from the Quraysh being related to the Hashemite Royal Family of Jordan and the Alouite Royal Family of Morrocco. Therefore, the Al-Chemor/El Chemor Family is related by marriage to some of the more important Arab Royal Families.

HRH was active in various humanitarian and cultural projects in northern Lebanon until the day of her passing.

Cheikh Antonios passed away in 1971, leaving a legacy of philanthropy and leadership.

HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Numan VIII

The current head of the modern Royal House of Ghassan, HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor, is the 8th great-grandson of Sheikh Yousef El Chemor of Chiyah. His lineage has been well-documented and has received scholarly and governmental recognition. The Ghassanid Royal House has received international recognition, including from the United Nations, the Lebanese government, and other international bodies. He is the direct descendant of HIRH Youssef El Chemor, Sheikh El Chemor, the last sovereign prince of Zgharta-Zawye, 1747 CE, through his son, Dargham, Sheikh El Chemor; through his son, Gharios Habbaki, Sheikh El Chemor of Chiyah; through his son, Antoun Gharios, Sheikh El Chemor of Chiyah; through his son, Fares bin Antoun Gharios, Al Habbaqi (El Chemor); through his son, Maurice Mansour Gharios, El Chemor (recognized cousin to Prince Antonios, Sheikh El Chemor of Kfarhata); and his son, Carlos Roberto Gharios (El Chemor).

Current Royal Family Members and Heritage

Sheikh El Chemor of Kfarhata Branch

The Chemors of Kfarhata have the title of Sheiks. They were the governors of Akoura in the mountains of Byblos between 1211 and 1633 and the rulers of Zgharta-Zawiya between 1641 and 1747. Their ancestors were the Ghassanids, a Christian tribe that dwelled in the Arabian Peninsula. After being displaced from Yemen because of a natural disaster, they settled in the Houran region of Syria. They allied themselves with the Byzantines as protectors of the South. Past the Islamic conquest of the area, they sought refuge in Lebanon. Their first stay was in Akoura (Byblos district) then they moved to Kfarhata in 1641. The Following are the direct decedents of HIRH Youssef El Chemor, Sheikh El Chemor, last sovereign prince of Zgharta-Zawye, 1747 CE, through his son, HIRH Abu Issa, Sheikh El Chemor of Kfarhata; his son Issa, Sheikh El Chemor of Kfarhata; his son, Youssef, Sheikh El Chemor of Kfarhata; his son, Selim, Sheikh El Chemor of Kfarhata; his son, Mikhael Saleem, Sheikh El Chemor of Kfarhata; and his son, Antonios, Sheikh El Chemor of Kfarhata.

  • HIRH Crown Prince Sheikh Selim El Chemor of Ghassan and all his descendants (Hon. Int. Head of House and Name, Head of the Lebanese branch).

  • HIRH Prince Sheikh Michel El Chemor of Ghassan and all his descendants.

  • HIRH Prince Sheikh Khalil El Chemor of Ghassan and all his descendants.

  • HIRH Prince Sheikh Antoine Majid El Chemor of Ghassan and all his descendants.

Gharios Habbaki, Sheikh El Chemor of Chiyah/Amchit Branch

The following are the descendants of HIRH Youssef El Chemor, Sheikh El Chemor, the last sovereign prince of Zgharta-Zawye, 1747 CE, through his son, HIRH Dargham El Chemor. According to p. 2236, Encyclopedia of the Maronite Families, v.4 (Notre Dame University), Dargham had four sons who first settled in Beit Habbak and then migrated to other regions of modern-day Lebanon. These sons are the forefathers of the four cadets branches: Habika El Chemor of Baskinta; Farjan El Chemor of Habbak; Farahat El Chemor of Al Hadas; and Gharios Habbaki El Chemor of Chiyah (settled there in 1757). The modern family Gharios of Cheyah is formally called “Gharios Habbaki Chemor” due to the village of Beit Habbak in the region of Byblos. This Habbaki family descends from the same prestigious “Chemor” family of Kfarhata-Zgharta, as Father Ignatios Tannos El-Khoury notes in his book, Sheikh El Chemor Rulers of Al-Aqoura (1211-1633) and Rulers of Al-Zawiye (1641-1747).

  • HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Numan VIII married HIRH Princess Consort Cristin Al-Numan El Chemor of Ghassan and all their descendants (Int. Head of House and Name).

  • HRH Sheikh Dr. Naji Gharios, HH Cheikha Sonia Gharios, and their descendants (descendants of Sheikh Gharios bin Youssef, El Chemor of Chiyah/Amchit).

References

  1. Warwick Ball. Rome in the East: The Transformation of an Empire. Routledge, 2000, pp. 102–105.

  2. Irfan Shahid. Byzantium and the Arabs in the Sixth Century, vol. 2, part 2. Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, 2002, pp. 51–104.

  3. Hitti, Philip K. Lebanon in History: From the Earliest Times to the Present. London: Macmillan, 1967, pp. 302–310.

  4. Gharios El Chemor, Prince. The Royal Ghassanids: Past and Present. St. Sergius Press, 2024, pp. 14-45.

  5. The Royal House of Ghassan: Official Website. Accessed January 1, 2024, from https://royalhouseofghassan.org.