From Lebanon to the Sertão: The Lebanese Legacy in Ceará
At the turn of the 20th century, thousands of Lebanese families left their homeland, fleeing hardship under the crumbling Ottoman Empire. They crossed the Atlantic in search of new beginnings, bringing nothing but their courage, family values, and the desire to rebuild.
When they arrived in Brazil — and especially in the northeastern state of Ceará they found more than opportunity. They found affinity: in the warmth of the people, in the sun-drenched landscape, and in the shared struggle for survival.
From small towns to the capital city of Fortaleza, the Lebanese became an invisible backbone of Ceará’s social and economic fabric.
Surnames that crossed the ocean
As they entered Brazil, many immigrants were wrongly labeled as “Turks” due to their Ottoman passports. Their Arabic surnames were often changed either voluntarily or mistakenly to adapt to Brazilian phonetics and administrative errors.
Some examples:
Mota: A phonetic adaptation of Moutran, Maatouk, or Maata common names in southern Lebanon. In Ceará, “Mota” became widespread among merchants in the interior.
Aguiar: Originally Portuguese, but in some cases adopted by Lebanese families whose names resembled Akkar (a northern Lebanese region) or Abi Akar. Often chosen to ease integration or due to registry confusion.
Safady / Safady Neto: Derived from Safa’di found among Maronite Christian families from the Zahle region.
Jereissati: A transliteration of Jarayssi, preserved almost intact. Today, it is one of the most influential family names in Ceará’s politics and commerce.
Feghali / Farias: Some Feghali families adapted the name to “Farias” in rural regions where pronunciation was difficult.
Bezerra, Sampaio, Távora, Gurgel: Though originally Portuguese, these names were sometimes adopted or inherited through mixed marriages or simplified registration by church officials.
From behind the counter to the heart of the community
Lebanese immigrants started small: general stores, bakeries, street stands. They lived in the back of their shops, built customer relationships based on trust, and quickly became essential figures in the communities they served.
Their work ethic, hospitality, and business sense shaped the economic and cultural DNA of Ceará.
Culture, music, and legacy
Beyond commerce, the Lebanese influenced culinary traditions, religious life, politics, and music. Perhaps the most poignant expression of this legacy lies in the work of Raimundo Fagner — one of Brazil’s most beloved musicians, and the grandson of Lebanese immigrants.
In his lyrics and melodies, there are echoes of two worlds: the poetic melancholy of the Middle East, and the dry, burning soul of the sertão. His voice bridges continents and generations.
Little-known facts about the Lebanese in Ceará
Ceará has one of the highest proportions of Lebanese descendants in Brazil.
Cities like Sobral, Quixadá, Crato, and Iguatu still reflect the commercial legacy of Lebanese families.
Sunday lunch traditions — featuring kibbeh, lentil rice, and fresh bread are preserved across generations.
Many Lebanese Brazilians invested in education, sending their children to study abroad or in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, returning as doctors, engineers, and lawyers.
Maronite, Melkite, and Orthodox churches were established in Fortaleza to serve the spiritual needs of the community.
Some immigrants learned Portuguese by listening to Luiz Gonzaga and the poetic verses of northeastern repentistas (improvisational singers).
A bridge between worlds
Today, the descendants of those early immigrants lead companies, influence politics, and build futures all while honoring a legacy rooted in hard work, dignity, and adaptation.
Behind every adapted surname lies a family story.
In every recipe, a memory of home.
And in every Fagner verse, an echo of Lebanon reborn in the Brazilian sertão.
Latitude3: Precision. Purpose. Perspective.
