Events and Activities Archive

2024

Rib-Adda of Byblos: Power and Diplomacy, between ca 1360 and 1340 BC by Dr. Marc Abou Abdallah

Rib-Adda of Byblos is undoubtedly the most prolific and diligent ruler in the fourteenth century BC in the Levant. He addressed the single largest number of the Amarna epistolary corpus, 67 (or 68) out of 350 letters, to the Egyptian court, during an era which is commonly known as the Amarna period. This talk aims to reconstruct the reign of Rib-Adda during this period, which spans approximately fifteen years. This will be done in this talk based essentially on the combination of the Amarna correspondence and a fresh analysis of other textual sources and archeological evidence. The speaker will dwell upon the complex and multifaceted challenges that had been faced by Rib-Adda, and his drawbacks since the latter failed to convince the Pharaoh to assist him. Additionally, the talk will shed some light on several neglected points such as the geopolitical dimensions of the mid-Levantine region, the diplomacy in the fourteenth century BC, and the famine that took place in Byblos at that time.  

“The Birth of a Hero: an exhibition for Children” by Beatrice Doumet

“The Alphabet: A Phoenician invention?” by Dr. Maroun Khreich

Sailing to Jbeil: Egypt, Lebanon and the Bronze Age Timber Trade by Dr. Anna-Latifa Mourad-Cizek

Around 3,800 years ago, the Egyptian Pharaoh Senwosret III sent an expedition of sailors to the ancient harbor of Jbeil, or Byblos. Their mission was to retrieve timber. This was not the first time that the Egyptians had sailed to Byblos, nor would it be the last. Instead, mounting evidence from Egypt, Lebanon and elsewhere points to a transformative network of exchange between Egyptian and Levantine communities from the Third to the Second Millennium BCE. This network grew in complexity during periods of heightened connectivity, and endured through periods of state collapse. It offered the Egyptians, and others, the continued access to the precious conifer woods of today’s Lebanon that were highly sought after by the elites of the region. Drawing on both archaeological and historical material, this lecture explores why these woods were prized and how their exchange was sustained across political and cultural divides from the late Third to Second Millennium BCE. It sheds light on the collaborative efforts and roles of various individuals and groups, to consider the lasting legacy of the thriving Bronze Age timber trade. 

- Poster
- Webinar link

2023

XVI Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue on the Phoenicians’ Route

2023 International General Assembly
20th anniversary of the Phoenicians’ Route 2003-2023
Sardinia – Italy | Cabras, 18-20 October | Porto Torres, 20-21 October

The event is hosted by the Mont’e Prama Foundation, in collaboration with the Sardinia Region, the Municipalities of Cabras and Porto Torres, and has received the patronage of the Italian Ministries of Culture, Tourism, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

• Program
• Speeches
  • The Main Phoenician Cities
  • Lebanon a member state in the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes - EPA
• ​Presentation
• The Alphabet Museum - Byblos
• Phoenicians’ Route Museum - Jounieh
• High-Mountain Phoenician Center - Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve
• CROSSDEV celebrates the new High Mountain Phoenician center in Lebanon
• The route of the Phoenicians, an itinerary between archeology and the present time

From Roots to Routes Workshop

•  Agenda
• Dr. Chamoun speech
• Presentation
• Article

Andalusian Days in Lebanon by the Umayyad Digital Museum

The framework of Lebanon’s accession into the “Enlarged Partial Agreement” of the “European Institute of Cultural Routes” of the Council of Europe, and the cooperation agreement between El Legado Andalusi, and the Lebanese American University (LAU) - Louis Cardahi Foundation defines the strategic planning and goal setting required to achieve the implementation of a number of tangible activities.  The various activations are manifested in the form of exhibitions, promotions, research and publishing initiatives, as well as, the development of socio-cultural activities to serve the engaged communities. This rich diversity of initiatives and institutions holistically contribute to enhancing our Euro Mediterranean Intercultural Dialogue by celebrating Andalusian Days in Lebanon by the Umayyad Route. These objectives are a result of close collaboration with the above-mentioned stakeholders and the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture.

This cooperation agreement is between the following two parties:

1. “El Legado Andalusí” is a unique Andalusian Public Foundation that has among its objectives the dissemination of historical, artistic and cultural heritage of al-Andalus. The foundation dynamically champions the projection of culture and heritage at the regional, national and international level, disseminating the role that Spain and Andalusia have played as a cultural bridge between East and West.
2. The Lebanese American University (LAU)-Louis Cardahi Foundation, is committed to education and knowledge, in fulfillment of its stated mission; and is dedicated to the research of Lebanese history and seeks to sustain Lebanon’s intercultural dialogue and connectivity with the confederation of the Euro-Mediterranean cities.
3. The Umayyad Digital Museum is one of the main tangible results of the Umayyad Route project (2013-2016); it is conceived in (2016) with the financial support of the EU funding ENPI-CBC MED program. The project involves 14 partners from Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt, Portugal, Spain and Italy. In Lebanon, the partners are LAU, Byblos Municipality, Safadi Foundation, ministries of Culture and Tourism.

The re-inauguration of the Umayyad Museum took place on May 06, 2023 at LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation.

• Program
• Read article (Arabic)

Marketing Project for Jbeil District

The Union of Sustainable and Ecotourism Institution in Lebanon (USEIL) in collaboration with the Tourism Committee of Jbeil and La Maison du Tourisme Byblos and the Lebanese American University (LAU-Byblos) are please to invite you to discuss the proposed marketing project for Jbeil district which aims to highlight the tourism components of Jbeil Institutions/NGOs/initiatives. www.hospitalityservices.me

- Date & Time: 03/03/2023 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm

Opening event of the 20th Anniversary celebrations of the Phoenicians’ Route – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, in Cyprus, on February 24-25, 2023

• Agenda

2022

“Lebanon Network of Historical Cities” at the “24th Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism Paestum 27th-30th October 2022”

The Campania Region, the Municipality of Capaccio Paestum and the Archaeological Park of Paestum and Velia promote the XXIV Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism, which will be held from October 27 to 30^th 2022 at the Cafasso Tobacco Factory and the Archaeological Park of Paestum (Italy).

The main goal of the event is to promote sites and destinations of great archaeological value to facilitate marketing, to help create de-seasonalization, to increase economic opportunities and employment effects. The Exchange is the only event in the world where this extraordinary section of cultural heritage can meet professional business, travelers, enthusiasts and schools.

The Exchange highlights the fundamental role played by cultural heritage not only towards intercultural dialogue, social integration of citizens, but also as an economic growth factor. For this reason, the event promotes peoples’ co-operation by sharing and exchanging experience with Mediterranean and Middle East countries.

• Speech
• Posters

11th Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Annual Advisory Forum, Chania, Greece, October 5-7, 2022

The Council of Europe Cultural Routes’ programme is celebrating its 35th anniversary at the 11th Advisory Forum which is taken place in Chania, Greece from 5-7 October 202. The Forum is organized by the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and the European Institute of Cultural Routes, in co-operation with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports , the Hellenic Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Region of Crete, The Municipality of Chania, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Chania, and the Historic cafes Route.

University Network for Cultural Routes Studies

• Speeches:
  - Dr. Chamoun speeches (speech 1 - speech 2)
  - Minister Nassar speech, represented by his Advisor Dr. Rachid Chamoun
• Program
• Concept Note
• Info
• Video of the entire Forum
• Videos of Dr. Chamoun speech (1 - 2 - 3)
• Picture gallery

Exploration of Lebanon by the Phoenicians’ Route

Iter Vitis - Wine Route Lebanon Union Vinicole Du Liban (UVL), Prowein 2022 Messe Dusseldorf international wine fairs

Pursuant to Lebanon’s accession the 35 Member State  to the Enlarged  Partial Agreement into the European Institute of Cultural Routes, and in its capacity as an active member of “Iter Vitis Wine Route”, Cultural routes of the council of Europe and in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and our national and international partners for the promotion of Lebanon’s economy, we have participated in the documentation of “Iter Vitis Wine Route” Lebanon and  has be been presented  at the Lebanese pavilion at Prowein 2022 Messe Dusseldorf from the 15th until the 17th of May.

- Presentation

Euro Mediterranean Intercultural Dialogue Forum Celebrating Lebanon, the 35th Member State of the Enlarged Partial Agreement On the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe

Jbeil District Sustainable Tourism Vision

Under the Patronage of the Minister of Tourism Eng. Walid Nassar, The Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with the Local Action Group Via Appia - Byblos is launching the First Tourism Conference for Jbeil District “Jbeil District Sustainable Tourism Vision”, on Thursday and Friday April 7-8, 2022 at LAU campus - Blat - Byblos

- Program (Arabic - English)
- Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Agreement (EPA) - (presentation - speech - poster)
- Byblos in Focus: Risk Preparedness Planning and Disaster Risk Reduction
- Maps: Byblos risk analysis plan, zoning, and buffer zone
- Byblos history and city structure - Byblos archaeological site and Medieval city 
- War Free World Heritage Listed Cities: presentation - Byblos and Mtskheta cases - Byblos World Heritage Site
- Report

Exhibition: Expo 2020 Dubai

Under the Patronage of His Excellency Minister of Tourism Eng. Walid Nassar, The Lebanese American University in collaboration with the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism, celebrate Lebanon’s accession to the Enlarged Partial Agreement, into the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, and launch “Smart Ways Lebanon by the Phoenicians’ Route”, presented by Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Director LAU-LCF, Honorary President of the Phoenicians’ Route, Advisor to the Lebanese Minister of Tourism for International Affairs representing Lebanon to the EPA -The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

- Invitation and program
- Cultural Forum
- Expo 2020 Dubai
- Lebanese Pavilion

2021

Life on the mountain

“Life on the mountain”

Inauguration took place on December 18, 2020
This a cultural exhibit in collaboration with the Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa and the Swedish Institute. To explore centuries of sustainable interaction between “man and nature” in the legendary Adonis Valley and Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve, protected by the General Directorate of Antiquities (DGA). (view documentary: “A walk with the experts”). This short film provides a glimpse of the inauguration presentations and exhibit. To know more about the exhibition, click on this link.
The exhibition will remain open to the public till August 31, 2021.

التراث واحة تَقارُب ثقافـي بين الشعوب أَيُّ مفهومٍ له فـي زمَن التباعُد الاجتماعي؟

كيف نحمي تراثنا الشفوي في زمن المنصات الإلكترونية؟

كيف نحمي تراثنا الشفوي في زمن المنصات الإلكترونية؟ وهذا هو الرابط للضغط عليه قبل 10 دقائق فقط من توقيت الندوة

Webinar: “The Phoenicians Intercultural Dialogue: Towards a Contemporary Model of Negotiation”

“The Phoenicians Intercultural Dialogue: Towards a Contemporary Model of Negotiation” by Dr. Habib Chamoun-Nicolas . A webinar promoted by the Phoenicians’ Route - Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in collaboration with the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation. The webinar will be broadcast live on: Tuesday June 9 at:
- 6:00 pm Beirut time
- 5:00 pm Europe time
- 10:00 am America time, on:
La Rotta Dei Fenici and LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation

Webinar: “Anjar: A new reading of the archaeological site - An overview of the archaeological site in the central and western Bekaa”

The Lebanese Tourist Guides Syndicate invites you to a webinar about
Anjar: A new reading of the archaeological site - An overview of the archaeological site in the central and western Bekaa
Presented by Dr. Raphy Gergian
on Tuesday June 30, at 06:00 pm (Beirut time) on zoom
For confirmation kindly send a WhatsApp message to the number +961 3 652 067

The Future of Historic Places in conflict: Tangibles and Intangibles

2020

Webinar: “Discover Menjez: its dolmens, natural and cultural heritage”

Tourist Guides Syndicate invites you to a virtual conference Discover Menjez: its dolmens, natural and cultural heritage
Presented by Dr. Tara Steimer & the president of the municipality Mr. George Youssef
Tuesday June 16 at 6:00 p.m.
To confirm your participation send a WhatsApp message to the number +961 3 652 067

Webinar: “Creating a Domus worth of the Gods – Constructing the Roman Empire”

“Creating a Domus worth of the Gods – Constructing the Roman Empire”
Lecture by: Mrs. Alia Fares, Archaeologist
LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation will host the webinar in collaboration with the Phoenicians’ Route and the Lebanese Tour Guides Syndicate.
Welcome note by Dr. Rachid Chamoun, President of the Phoenicians’ Route & Director of LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation
Click on this link to participate
The webinar (60 minutes) will be broadcast live, on Tuesday June 26 at 6:00 pm, on:
La Rotta dei Fenici and LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation

الزجل اللبناني على لائحة الأونسكو للتراث العالمي

مركز التراث اللبناني - LAU
في نَدْوته التَوَاصلية السادسة
الزجل اللبناني على لائحة الأونسكو للتراث العالمي
لحضورها: الضغط على هذا الرابط
وعند الحاجة
Event number: 163 924 875
Event password: clh6

Heritage sites in the legendary Adonis Valley and Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve

APJM team invited experts and partners on a Magical Mystery Tour to explore less-known heritage sites in the legendary Adonis Valley and Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve, protected by the General Directorate of Antiquities (DGA).
The get-together was an opportunity to bring together people from different backgrounds and institutions, to contribute to the institution of the “Adonis Tour”, under development with the support of CROSSDEV Project.
The tour started in the town of Mchati, where the first High Mountain Phoenician center is proposed to be established. While today an unfinished building, the group went on a “virtual” tour in the center, where the Adonis myth and the link with the Rotta dei Fenici will be described, and a central kitchen will be established, where local women can meet and produce local “mouneh” (preserved agro-food), to be suggested to visitors.

Webinar: “To Be or Not To Be Phoenician, That is the Question”

Webinar “To Be or Not To Be Phoenician, That is the Question”
Presented by Dr. Habib Nicolas-Chamoun, on Saturday July 11 at 16:00 (Argentina time).

Webinar: “Chypre, à la découverte de l’île d’Aphrodite”

Lecture “Chypre, à la découverte de l’île d’Aphrodite” by the Professor Liliane Buccianti-Barakat.
LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation will host the webinar in collaboration with the Phoenicians’ Route and the Lebanese Tour Guides Syndicate.
Welcome note: Dr. Rachid Chamoun, President of the Phoenicians’ Route & Director of LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation and Mrs. Elissar Baalbaki, President of the Lebanese Tour Guides Syndicate
To participate click on this Webex link
The webinar (60 minutes) will take place on Tuesday July 14 at 6:00 pm (Beirut time)
The webinar will be presented in French (watch video)

Webinar: “The Phoenician Language”

LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation will host the webinar “The Phoenician Language” in collaboration with the Phoenicians’ Route and the Lebanese Tour Guides Syndicate.
Lecture by Mr. Hassan El-Zein and Moderator Mrs. Elissar Baalbaki, President of the Lebanese Tour Guides Syndicate
The webinar (90 minutes) will take place on Tuesday July 21 at 6:00 pm (Beirut time)
To participate, click on this Webex link

Webinar: “Rhodes, ou l’île d’Hélios”

Lecture “Rhodes, ou l’île d’Hélios” by the Professor Liliane Buccianti-Barakat.
LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation will host the webinar in collaboration with the Phoenicians’ Route and the Lebanese Tour Guides Syndicate.
Moderator Mrs. Elissar Baalbaki, President of the Lebanese Tour Guides Syndicate
Lecturer Professor Liliane Buccianti-Barakat
To participate click on this Webex link
The webinar (60 minutes) will take place on Tuesday July 28 at 6:00 pm (Beirut time)
The webinar will be presented in French (watch video)

Webinar: “Phoenician Foreign Policies”

Lecture by Dr. Marc Abou Abdallah
LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation will host the webinar “Phoenician Foreign Policies” in collaboration with the Phoenicians’ Route
The webinar will take place on Tuesday, August 04, at 05:00 pm (Beirut time), watch video
To participate, click on this Webex link

كي لا يختفي وجه بيروت التراثي

مركز التراث في الجامعة اللبنانية الأميركية
يدعوكم إلى متابعة ندوته الرقمية التاسعة
كي لا يختفي وجه بيروت التراثي
الاثنين 17 اب 2020 الساعة 5:00 عصراً (توقيت بيروت)
التسجيل المسبق ضروري لمتابعة الندوة
للتسجيل إضغط على هذا الرابط
Event number: 163 434 586
Event password: clh9

Webinar: “Lebanese Traditional Houses as the Façade of Authentic Heritage”

CLH director poet Henri Zgheib hosts:
Dr. Joseph G. Jabbra, President, Lebanese American University
And exhibits the heritage photography collection of Mr. Bassam Lahoud and Mr. Eddy Choueiri
On Monday, September 07, at 5:00 pm (Beirut time), watch video
For registration, click on this Webex link
Event number: 163 992 1700
Event password: clh10

The Phoenicians’ Route General Assembly 2020

Due to COVID-19 emergency situation, The Phoenicians’ Route General Assembly 2020 will take place on November 12, 2020 (agenda).

2019

The Center for the Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage Launching Ceremony

The LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation organized, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, the Directorate General of Antiquities in Lebanon and in partnership with the World Association for the Protection of Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage in Times of Armed Conflict (WATCH) a launching ceremony of The Center for the Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage (CPCH), on October 14, 2019.

Target group: Concerned State and local authorities (e.g. Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Interior and municipalities, Ministry of Defense, Lebanese UNESCO Commission and National Civil Protection Agencies - (e.g. civil and military engineers, scientists, regional planners, jurists, municipal engineers), ICOMOS, Civil Defence, Red Cross- Lebanon, NGOs, CSOs, Professional organizations (Board of Architects, Engineers, Geologists) and others.

In addition of two-days’ workshop entitled: “Disaster Risk Reduction to Protect Natural and Cultural Heritage” from October 15-16, 2019, at the LAU-LCF, as a part of the CPCH.

Participants during their visit to Byblos Archaeological Site.

Days of the Spanish Network of the Phoenicians’ Route in Lebanon

Exhibition: Phoenician Alphabet Series

Phoenician Alphabet Series by Mrs. Nayla Romanos Iliya (September 2019)

Festival of Intercultural Dialogue on the Phoenicians Route

In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, LCF will be hosting A FESTIVAL of INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE ON THE PHOENICIANS’ ROUTE – Kick off meeting of the international committee of the Phoenicians’ Route  in the framework of the European Year of Cultural Heritage. Beirut and Byblos, Lebanon. (Phoenicians’ Route banner).

“Rotot, Mediterranean Routes Through Intercultural Dialogue”

“Rotot, Mediterranean Routes Through Intercultural Dialogue”, a seminar organised by Inizjamed, member of our International Confederation, in collaboration with our Cultural Route, and addresses how different local realities can be brought together to reflect a wider, more common Mediterranean reality, or set of realities, that inter-relate with one another. The aspect of the Phoenicians being a sort of mythical, legendary archetype of common Mediterranean roots that however still inspires many cultural operators in seeking exchange through Intercultural Dialogue, as opposed to neocolonial and neoliberal economic measures, will provide us with a framework to which all of our speakers can relate to - this is so because in some way or another they either address this aspect through their work, or in a way act as contemporary Phoenicians, so to speak. 

“Sense and Sustainability”

A call for papers is now open to the “Sense and Sustainability” International Conference on Archaeology and Tourism that will be held from the 6 till 10th of May in Zagreb, Croatia. The conference is  bringing some of the most renowned speakers in the industry, along with a rich scientific and social program. Smart Ways-Lebanon by the Phoenicians and Umayyad Routes

Training Academy

“The Interior Landscape of Byblos: Layers of Civilizations”

“The Interior Landscape of Byblos: Layers of Civilizations” (English - Italian). Architects meet in Selinunte. INTERIOR LANDSCAPE. Is the crisis of architecture a crisis of ideas? (Byblos posters - LAU-LCF).

The 124th Anniversary of the Beirut-Sham Train Railway, in Rayak Train Station

The 124^th Anniversary of the Beirut-Sham Train Railway, was held on August 14, 2019 in Rayak Train Station, at 5:00 pm.

“The Phoenician Alphabet”

- Exhibition by Mrs. Nayla Romanos Iliya, Phoenician Alphabet Series 
- Lecture by Dr. Marc Abou Abdallah, Invention of the Alphabet 

“Disaster Risk Reduction to Protect Natural and Cultural Heritage”

 “Disaster Risk Reduction to Protect Natural and Cultural Heritage” at The Center for the Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage (CPCH) and Exhibition of the Enhanced Protection Cultural Heritage Sites - Lebanon:
- Program 
- List of heritage sites requested for special protection in Lebanon
- Blue Shield - Lebanon
- Lebanese Committee for the Blue Shield (LCBS) Brochure (Arabic)
- Lebanese Committee for the Blue Shield (LCBS) Brochure (English)

XII Euro Mediterranean Dialogue GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019

XII Euro Mediterranean Dialogue GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019, “Cultural Tourism in the Mediterranean Scenario …on the Phoenicians’ Route” (video - action plan - declaration - agenda ). 

2018

Meeting of the Phoenicians’ Route International Scientific Committee and the International Workshop “2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage”

The meeting of the Phoenicians’ Route International Scientific Committee and the International Workshop “2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage” In collaboration with the Rotary Club of Castelvetrano, Marinella di Selinunte (Sicily) (newsletter).

LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation Launching ceremony

Byblos may be ancient, but the Cardahi family has breathed new life into the city through their partnership with LAU. The family gathered with LAU officials, local dignitaries and members of the community on Tuesday, May 15 to celebrate the inauguration of the LAU Louis Cardahi Foundation at the St. Jean-Marc Church in the historic city. (watch video).

The foundation became an LAU entity after a generous donation by the Cardahi family in 2013. Since then, under the supervision of the foundation’s Governing Board and with the collaboration of the Municipality of Byblos, the Cardahi Museum – a historic, Ottoman-style house right on the bay – has been renovated and is now open to the public.

The museum is stocked with historical artifacts (many of which are part of Louis Cardahi’s personal collection), iPads showing documentary films and pictures, a library with over 1,500 works charting the evolution of Byblos, the Umayyad Exhibit, and a multi-function room with a painting collection by famed Byblos native Joseph Matar.

During his opening speech, LAU President Joseph G. Jabbra memorialized the late Louis Cardahi, who dedicated his life to the success of Byblos, the city he loved. Cardahi was active in the city, co-founding the Cultural Council of the Jbeil Region, and initiating and financing the first secondary school in Byblos in the 1960s. Jabbra noted that through the establishment of the foundation, Louis Cardahi’s family has continued his goals of educating youth, making Byblos a United Nations World Heritage Site, and promoting knowledge of the city’s culture and history.

Jabbra emphasized that LAU stands within the community, contributing to and participating in the growth and development of Byblos. He noted that it is for this reason that the Cardahi family entrusted the foundation to LAU, knowing that it would continue the work started by Louis Cardahi.

Addressing the family, Jabbra said, “LAU is committed to carrying the torch that you got from [Louis Cardahi] and you gave to us; it is a gift that we will continue to cherish.”

Jean-Louis Cardahi, former minister of parliament and son of Louis Cardahi, told the crowd at the event that the foundation is centered on the individual: “It is our hope that the foundation will contribute to the advancement of the [Lebanese] citizen and develop the citizen in his knowledge.”

For Rachid Chamoun, foundation director and interim chair of LAU’s Department of Architecture and Interior Design, “The role of the foundation is to carry on the vision of the founders and treasure this beautiful stone house and its grounds overlooking Byblos, the long-lived city, whose historic evolution is the foundation’s focus.”

In collaboration with local partners including the Municipality of Byblos, the Safadi Foundation, the Lebanese Syndicate of Tourism, and the Lebanese Ministry of Culture, the foundation promotes, sustains and endorses cultural tourism sectors, as well as social and economic benefits for the interactive network of historical cities of Lebanon.

The foundation’s international partners were represented at the event by Juan Miguel Cid Muñoz, who is the public relations, culture, and communications director of the Mediterranean Rim Countries of the El Legado Andalusi. Working jointly, they have undertaken three major projects funded by the European Union focusing on the Umayyad Route, the Phoenician Route, and the War-Free World Heritage Listed Cities.

In addition, the ceremony recognized the Cardahi family’s longtime friend and local priest, Frère André, whose support was instrumental in establishing the foundation. The Cardahi family presented Frère André with a replica of the first coin that was minted in Byblos – the emblem of the foundation itself.

Guests were invited to tour the foundation’s facilities and museum, followed by a reception in the church courtyard.

Read Also

 Launching ceremony of the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation in Jbeil downtown.

Building a trireme out of used plastic bottles

Imagine building a trireme out of used plastic bottles. Now, imagine seeing this ship sailing from Byblos, the famous Phoenician port, following the historical shoreline route all the way to Beirut.
​Lebanese American University (LAU) in partnership with NGO Chreek and high school students from across Lebanon. LAU Cardahi Foundation participated in the posters design and display of the Phoenician’s route history and cultural itinerary in Lebanon.
​Highlights of this initiative:
​1. Celebrating Lebanon’s heritage
​2. Raising awareness on the environment and the importance of recycling and upcycling
​3. Raising our children with a sense of belonging and enhancing community relations
​4. Placing Lebanon on the map by constructing the biggest Phoenician ship ever built out of bottles

Study Days

Study Days: Cortana - Naples - Jaen - Dialogue Euro-Mediterranean - Iberian and Etruscan in the Ancient Mediterranean Sea Following the Phoenician’s Route Between Archaeological Investigation, Cultural Itineraries and Tourist Promotions in partnership with LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation. (view program).

Promotion of the Umayyad Museum by LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation

LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation promotes The Umayyad Route Museum at the World Congress for Middle Eastern Studies, Seville, Spain.

The role of the Interpretation Center in Byblos along the Phoenician’s Route, Smart Ways, Lebanon

General Assembly of the Phoenicians’ Route - Zagreb (Croatia). The role of the Interpretation Center in Byblos along the Phoenician’s Route.
Smart Ways: Best Practice in Lebanon to Riding the Phoenician Wave (view program).
​Dr. Rachid Chamoun
Director of the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation
​Member of the Scientific Committee of the Phoenician’s Route

Discovery trip pf the Roman road

Discovery trip of the Roman road in the southern region of Jbeil, organized by the NGO “Via…EXCURSION “ORIENTAL VIA APPIA”

Cultural Art Concert “From Carthage to Tyre”

Cultural Art Concert “From Carthage to Tyre”, in the monastery of the castle, Beit Meri. (video one - video two - poster). 

2017

Phoenicia Expedition: The Atlantic Crossing

Phoenicia Expedition: The Atlantic Crossing

Contribution of the sustainability of the “Phoenicians’ Route”.

During the Phoenician route visit to the LAU - Louis Cardahi Foundation in collaboration with the Lebanese Tourism Guides Syndicate, collaboration initiative with the foundation was launched to contribute to the sustainability of the “Phoenician route”. Ancient Mediterranean Days. Tour in Lebanon, on the Phoenicians’ Route.

LAU-LCF promoted in NYC

 LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation and Museum was promoted at the LAU - Byblos, Exhibition UN - NYC.

Promotion of Cultural Heritage and sustain an Interactive Network of Historical Cities in Lebanon and abroad

LAU - Louis Cardahi Foundation and Museum promotes Cultural Heritage and sustains an Interactive Network of Historical Cities in Lebanon and abroad, during the 8^th International Conference on Science and Technology in Archaeology and Conservation (STAC 8) in Amman, Jordan.

“Cultural Heritage Activities for the safeguarding of Byblos Cultural Heritage”

Exhibition and lecture promoting LCF “Cultural Heritage Activities for the safeguarding of Byblos Cultural Heritage”. Conservation and sustainability of the Euro-Mediterranean Cultural Heritage. 20 YEARS of THE ROUTES OF EL LEGADO ANDALUSÍ, “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” Madinat al-Zahra (Cordoba), “Protection and Conservation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites”.

V FÓRUM MELILLA 2017, CIUDADES Y TERRITORIOS CREATIVOS DE ESPAÑA

V FÓRUM MELILLA 2017, CIUDADES Y TERRITORIOS CREATIVOS DE ESPAÑA,“Melilla, la Puerta del Mediterráneo Sustainable and Creative Tourism and Intercultural Dialogue in the Mediterranean.

Documentation of Byblos through the ages

Symposium on Phoenician Culture

This event will be a series of 3 workshops for selective numder of persons (20 to 30p) to be done in the foundation quarters. The workshops are:

1. Genoa and Jbeil relation and history  
2. Jbeil Citadel plan and history 
3. Formation of the phoenician port 

Dr. Chamoun to send to committee  detailed program of workshop 

Opening Ceremony

• This event will constitute the official opening of the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation. 
• Proposed program musical program at St. Jean Marc Cathedral accompanied with a Photo Exhibition of Old Byblos folowed with a reception at foundation for guests. 
• Mr. Lahoud will be submiting to committee memberes a detailed schedual and discription of the proposal that will be raised to board members.

2016

Scientific Committee of the Cultural Route of the Council of Europe “The Phoenicians’ Route”

Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Director of LAU - Louis Cardahi Foundation was elected as an official member of the Scientific Committee of the Cultural Route of the Council of Europe “The Phoenicians’ Route”. The Scientific Committee, composed of 5 experts in the fields of Tourism, Culture and Local Development, will undertake on behalf of the Phoenicians’ Route, scientific assistance in the evaluation of applications for new adhesion to the Route, as well as performing an advisory role about its activities, if the Management considers it essential.

Inauguration of the Umayyad Digital Museum at LAU-LCF

During the steering committee meeting and final conference of the Umayyad project, the project partners inaugurated the Umayyad digital museum at the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation and Museum.

1997

Exhibition: Byblos Photography Exhibition

Byblos Photography Exhibition by Paul Zgheib and Pierre Daou (June 1997)

1996

Exhibition: Sculpture Exhibition “Phoenician Spirit”

Sculpture Exhibition “Phoenician Spirit” by Nabil Basbous (July 1996)

1995

Exhibition: Painting Exhibitions about Byblos

Painting Exhibitions about Byblos (by Joseph Matar, Samira Nehme, Father Jean Jabbour, Chucrallah Fattouh, Antoine Matar and others) (May 1996)