 Aley city was previously known as the "bride of the summers" during the 1960 and 1970s, when Aley and neighboring Bhamdoune were attractive tourist locations for Lebanese emigres and local Lebanese

The district elects 5 members of parliament, of which 3 are Christians (1 Orthodox and 2 Maronite) and 2 are Druze.During the 1975-1990 Civil War in Lebanon, Aley witnessed several battles around its environs.Like the neighboring Chouf District, the Aley district is also one of the most religiously diverse areas in Lebanon.