Visits and Delegations

Participation to the Celebration of Spanish Contingent Transfer of Authority (TOA)

May 26, 2023

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Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Director of LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation is honored to have been invited by H.E. Ambassador of Spain in Lebanon Mr. Jesús Santos Aguado to participate to the Celebration of Spanish Contingent TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY (TOA). It has been a phenomenal day in South Lebanon.

From Roots to Routes Workshop

May 19, 2023

LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation, hosted the Launching of the Routes Olive Tree in Lebanon.

Under the patronage of H.E Minister of Tourism, Eng. Walid Nassar, represented by Dr. Rachid Chamoun, director of LAU-LCF, advisor to Minister Nassar for international relations representing Lebanon to the Enlarge Partial Agreement (EPA) into the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

The workshop was organized by Bchaaleh trails associations, BTA & Olive Routes, in collaboration with The Routes of the Olive Tree, Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation. The workshop was attended by Douroub Al-Zaytoun throughout Lebanon: Bchaaleh trails Associations, BTA & Olive Routes, Kouraniyet Olive’s Paths, Darb El-Tajalleh, AWFA Association, Ain Ibil, South Lebanon, and Akkar Olive Routes Associations, North Lebanon.

Via Lebanon International Club visiting the Foundation

May 13, 2023

Dr. Rachid Chamoun, director of LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation received our valuable friends of cultural heritage VIA LEBANON CLUB, organized by Mrs. Maya Najjar.

A group of 35 foreign women. Expats, and Lebanese who love to explore Lebanon cultural heritage, have visited the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation museum to learn about the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of our beloved country Lebanon.

During their visit to LAU-LCF, there has been a presentation of our cultural tourism roadmap and itineraries of Smart-Ways Lebanon by the Phoenicians’ Route and Smart-Ways Lebanon by the Umayyad Route.

Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, Governing Board 2023, Luxembourg, May 10-11

May 10-11, 2023

Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Director of LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation and Advisor to Mr. Walid Nassar the Lebanese Minister of Tourism for international relations in his capacity as the representative for Lebanon to the Enlarged Partial Agreement have attended the Governing Board meeting on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, in Luxembourg on May 10-11, 2023.

Dr. Chamoun addressed the 38 member states on behalf of minister Nassar.

“As of this year, Lebanon is among the 38 member States of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (EPA).

Lebanon is also very active in academic and scientific research in the field of cultural heritage and sustainable cultural tourism through the participation of the Lebanese American University among the 22 Universities across Europe and the Mediterranean region.”

Dr Chamoun, is proud to be entrusted by his Excellency, Minister Nassar and LAU president Dr. Michel Mawad into this mission and seeks to sustain Lebanon’s cultural position into the Cultural Routes of the council of Europe.

“The Path of Transfiguration”

April 29, 2023

At the invitation of the journalist and writer, Mr. Pierre Atallah

Coordinator of the project “The Path of Transfiguration” by Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Advisor to the Minister of Tourism for International Relations and Cultural Routes in the Council of Europe, accompanied by Mr. Louis Lahoud, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Yola Ghara Chamoun and Dr. Imad Chamoun.

By visiting the towns of “The Path of Transfiguration”, which includes the towns of Deir Mimas, Burj al-Moluk, al-Qaliya, Jdeidet Marjayoun, Abel al-Saqi, Kawkaba, Rashaya al-Fukhar, and Abu Qamhah, on Saturday 29th of this month.

The first stop was a visit to Deir Mimas to meet with the municipality, mayors and farmers, and to learn about the details of the prize won by Deir Mimas oil.

As for the second stop, it was in the town of Al-Qalaia, where the delegation visited the ancient Church of St. Gerges, and a meeting was held with the parish priests and the chosen one, Joseph Salameh, and a number of issues related to the agricultural and tourism sectors were discussed. From there, the delegation moved to Abel al-Saqi, where an inclusive meeting was held for all the mayors, mayors, priests of the “Transfiguration Path”, heads of cooperatives and farmers.

The last stop was to visit Kawkaba and the shrine of Our Lady of Hermon.

iHERITAGE visiting the foundation and the city of Byblos

April 28, 2023

Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Director of the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation, received the iHERITAGE project delegation and representatives of the project member states at the Byblos heritage site. The delegation included representatives from Jordan, Egypt, Italy and Spain.

- Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAB-ML), Lebanon

- Sicily District Department, tourism representative

- General Directorate of Antiquities, Lebanese Ministry of Culture

- Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS) | ENI CBC MED programme.

During the meeting, Dr. Chamoun announced the Minister’s support for the implementation of the project which is part of the strategic road map of His Excellency the Minister of Culture judge Mohamad Wissam El Mourtada to develop and upgrade all museums within the heritage sites of Lebanese cities. Within the framework of the Minister’s vision; iHERITAGE project seeks.

Supporting technology transfer and commercialization of new AR/VR tools aimed at enhancing access to UNESCO’s Mediterranean cultural heritage through enhanced and immersive experiences and creating live cross-border laboratories for research and innovation.

Then Dr. Chamoun invited the delegation to visit LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation premises and have explored the foundation digital museum.

First Edition of the Mediterranean Awards in Seville, Spain

March 29, 2023

In his capacity Dr. Rachid Chamoun; as the Director of LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation and Advisor to Mr. Walid Nassar the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, is honored to have been invited by the President of the Junta de Andalucía Mr. Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla to participate to the First Edition of the Mediterranean Awards in Seville, Spain on Wednesday, March 29th.

Dr. Chamoun as the representative of Lebanon for International Relations into the Enlarged Partial Agreement in the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, extends his appreciation to Ms. María de la Concepción de Santa Ana Fernandez; the president of the route of el Llegado Andalusia, for considering him among her valuable team throughout the remarkable event.

The event was held at the headquarters of the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation (Fundación Tres Culturas del Mediterráneo), Hassan II Pavilion.

Furthermore on the occasion of the celebration of Ramadan, the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation organized an institutional iftar that took place at the same headquarters on Thursday, March 30.

The awards ceremony and the Iftar were both fantastic opportunities to exchange memorable conversations with various esteemed guests that Dr. Chamoun well appreciates.

Read article for more details.

Exploration of Lebanon by the Phoenicians’ Route

October 11, 2022

Dr. Rachid Chamoun, director of LAU - Louis Cardahi Foundation and honorary president of the Phoenicians’ Route has received the delegation of the Brazilian tour operators within the framework of a familiarization cultural tourism Trip “Exploration of Lebanon Network of Historical Cities by the Phoenicians’ Route” for the period of 10 to 18 October 2022, co organized by Vibes Tourism and LAU - Louis Cardahi Foundation in its position as an active member of the University Network into the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

In his speech, Dr. Chamoun informed the delegation about the foundation’s strategic mission towards safeguarding cultural heritage in its position as an active cultural center for disseminating knowledge about the city of Byblos and the Lebanese network of historical cities and promoting research about their history and heritage. Furthermore, we have contributed for Lebanon to gain its prominent position the 35th Member of the enlarged partial agreement of the council of Europe crossing four major significant cultural routes: the Phoenicians’ Route, Legado Andalucia by the Umayyad Route, Route of the Olive Tree and the Wine Route. (Brochure)

11th Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Annual Advisory Forum, Chania, Greece

October 05-07, 2022

On October 5-7, 2022, Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Director of LAU-LCF, representing the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism in his capacity as advisor to the Minister of Tourism for International Relations for the accession of Lebanon to the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and in his capacity as designated coordinator representing the Lebanese American University to the University Network into the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, attended the 11th Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Annual Advisory Forum, Chania, Greece.

Meeting Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic to UNESCO, Mrs. Sahar Baassiri

May 10, 2022

On May 10, 2022 at the UNESCO, Paris.
Her Excellency, Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic to UNESCO, Mrs. Sahar Baassiri received Dr. Rachid Chamoun, advisor to the Lebanese Minister of Tourism for International Relations and representative to the EPA Governing Board into the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, and Director of the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation.

Dr. Chamoun briefed Her Excellency on the current and future cultural tourism activities within the discourse of the cultural tourism roadmap of the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism.

In collaboration with our partners at the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, and with the support of His Excellency, Minister of Tourism Eng. Walid R. Nassar, we have launched three major international forums celebrating Lebanon’s membership into the EPA:

1. EPA Governing Board Meeting of the Enlarged Partial Agreement ,The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe , Luxembourg on May 5-6, 2022
2. The Intercultural Dialogue Forum at the Lebanese American University - LAU, Lebanon on April 20 -23, 2022
3. Jbeil District Sustainable Tourism Vision, Lebanese American University, Byblos April 7-9, 2022
4. The Cultural Tourism Roadmap for Lebanon at the Lebanese Pavilion- Lebanon Expo 2020 Dubai - March 4-11, 2022

Dr. Chamoun informed Ambassador Baasirri about the preparations for the launch of the Disasters Risk Reduction activities dedicated to the protection of the Lebanese World Heritage Sites (Cultural, Natural or Mixed) , in line with the celebrations for “the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention”.

The World Association Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage (WATCH) and the Lebanese American University (LAU) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and The Lebanese Ministry Of Culture propose to implement a number of factual activities to support the creation of independent heritage protection missions:
1. Organize and implement of six series of Webinars, starting June 2022, on Disasters Risk Reduction dedicated to the protection of the Lebanese World Heritage Sites (Cultural, Natural or Mixed).
2. Following the webinars we shall have an international workshop and onsite training in Byblos and other heritage sites in Lebanon, entitled: Disasters Risk Reduction dedicated to the protection of the Lebanese World Heritage Sites.

Furthermore, we have discussed the possibility to organize an international exhibition and a symposium in collaboration with the ministries of Tourism and Culture and the Phoenicians’ Route to encompass the twelve active partner countries within the Cultural routes of the council of Europe in collaboration with the UNESCO and the European institute of Cultural Routes and to take place in Paris.

In conclusion, Dr. Chamoun thanked Her Excellency for receiving him and for her support towards raising the name of Lebanon high at home and abroad.

EPA Governing Board Meeting in Luxembourg

May 05-06, 2022

On 5 and 6 May, Dr. Rachid Chamoun, director of LAU-LCF, representing the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism participated, to the Governing Board of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (EPA) and attended the certification meeting for the “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” under regular evaluation as well as to award the certification to new Cultural Routes candidates. (Newsroom)

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

April 21, 2022

The Lebanese American University - LAU and the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism launch the Euro Mediterranean Intercultural Dialogue Forum in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Agriculture, the European Institute of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, 4 Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (The Phoenicians’ Route, The Routes of the Olive Tree, The Wine Route, The Umayyad Route). With the participation of the Ministry of Foreign affairs, and Ministry of Environment.

The Forum will focus on enhancing the joint mission of the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism and the Lebanese American University to disseminate knowledge about the history of Lebanon and will seek to sustain Lebanon’s Intercultural Dialogue.

The program included the following activities:

1. Celebration of Lebanon, the 35th Member State of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

2. Announcement of the Intercultural Dialogue Academy for Lebanon.

3. The inauguration of the Phoenicians’ Route Museum in the historical district of Municipality of Jounieh.

4. To celebrate Bkassine declaration as one of the best tourist villages in the world, as part of the initiative of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Detailed program.

Lecture by Greta Naufal at LAU-LCF

March 05, 2022

A lecture at LAU-LCF “Femme Multiple, Femme Plurielle” by Greta Naufal, artist and academic teacher at LAU Beirut. She spoke about Etel Adnan, her personal relation with her and the artistic work of the late Lebanese artist. Then she spoke about other women artists who inspired her, showing that women are full of love, passionate, protective, revolted, engaged, militant, sometimes forgotten and other times celebrated. She showed how she was impressed along her artist life by her feminine identity, her complexity, her dualities, her fragilities and her strength.

Exhibition: Expo 2020 Dubai

March 04-11, 2022

In collaboration with the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism, LAU launched the Intercultural Forum on Cultural Tourism for Lebanon at the Lebanese Pavilion–Dubai Expo on March 4. The week-long forum, orchestrated by LAU’s Rachid Chamoun, celebrates the country’s accession into the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, and focuses on sustaining Lebanon’s intercultural dialogue and spreading knowledge about the country’s rich history.

Dr. Chamoun visiting the Lebanese President, General Michel Aoun

February 01, 2022

On February 01, 2022 at the Presidential Palace of the Lebanese Republic the President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, received Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Adviser to the Ministry of Tourism - Lebanon for International Tourism Agreements, Honorary President of the Phoenicians’ Route and Director of the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation, Lebanese American University - LAU.

Dr. Chamoun briefed him on the activities that he is participating to.

In the context of His Excellency’s declaration, before the United Nations General Assembly on September 21, 2017, Lebanon was declared as a permanent Academy for Dialogue between different cultures, religions and ethnicities, affiliated with the United Nations. The Lebanese American University, in coordination and cooperation with the Ministries of Tourism and Culture, and all relevant local and international ministries and institutions, are preparing for the launch of the Intercultural Dialogue Forum early April 2022, with the President’s support and under his patronage.

Dr. Chamoun informed the President about the international event at Expo 2020 Dubai. The exhibition will encompass 25 roll-ups documenting the “Smart Ways of the Phoenicians’ Route in Lebanon” towards exploring the Network of cultural heritage cities. The program of the event will engage local and international partners, specifically the member states of the Council of Europe.

In conclusion, Dr. Chamoun thanked His Excellency for receiving him and for his support towards raising the name of Lebanon high at home and abroad.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Chamoun presented to the President “La Rotta dei Fenici” badge honoring his Phoenician Origins.

Dr. Mawad, Dr. Chamoun meeting the Minister of Tourism Eng. Walid Nassar

December 17, 2021

On Friday December 17, 2021, Dr. Michel Mawad, president of the Lebanese American University received His Excellency the Lebanon’s Minister of Tourism, Eng. Walid Nassar, and Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Honorary President of the Phoenicians’ Route and Director of LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation. The meeting focused on sustaining their institutional collaboration in the development of the cultural tourism roadmap for Lebanon, in line with the strategies developed by the Confederation of the Phoenicians’ Route and in preparation for the launching of their international exhibition at expo Dubai 2020 on February 4-10, 2022 . During the meeting his excellency announced the official appointment of Dr. Chamoun in the capacity as an adviser for the ministry to represent Lebanon to the “Enlarged Partial Agreement” the cultural routes of the council of Europe. During the meeting it was decided to have a press conference in Beirut on the 14 of January, 2022 to launch their collaboration.

Meeting the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, Eng. Walid Nassar

November 03, 2021

On Wednesday November, 3rd 2021, His Excellency the Lebanon’s Minister of Tourism, Eng. Walid Nassar, received Dr Rachid Chamoun, Honorary President of the Phoenicians’ Route and Director of LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation.

The meeting focused on sustaining their institutional collaboration in the development of the cultural tourism roadmap for Lebanon, in line with the strategies developed by the Confederation of the Phoenicians’ Route and in preparation for Lebanon to sign the “Enlarged Partial Agreement” to become an official member of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme.

Visiting the city of Baalbek

October 28, 2021

The Polish delegation from Cracow University of Technology (CUT), Prof. Maciej Motak, Prof. Bogusław Podhalański, and Prof. Kazimierz Butelski, and Dr. Rachid Chamoun director of the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation, visiting the city of Baalbek. Mr. Ihab Raed, Secretary General of the Lebanese Federation of Tourism Union, in his capacity as an active member of the Phoenicians’ Route and Mr. Firas Jammal, legal representative and board member of the municipal council have met to discuss cultural and urban collaboration and have offered them a comprehensive tour of the heritage site and the city.

The Polish Embassy and Cracow University of Technology visiting the foundation

October 26, 2021

In the presence of the Polish Ambassador, his excellency Mr. Przemysław Niesiołowski, and his staff Ms. Adriana Łada-Lis, and Mr. Mateusz Ananic and the Polish delegation from Cracow University of Technology (CUT), Prof. Maciej Motak, Prof. Bogusław Podhalański, and Prof. Kazimierz Butelski, Dr. Chamoun offered them a comprehensive tour of the foundation’s facilities.

Lecture by Dr. George Zouain at LAU-LCF

April 29, 2021

In the frame of the Regional Urbanism Course offered by the Architecture Department of LAU, Dr. George Zouain, an international cultural heritage expert, gave a Lecture and follow-up to the students’ work on Thursday 29 April at LAU-LCF. The Instructor, Juliana Najem Sfeir, organized this lecture in order for the students to have a deeper understanding of the Wadi Qannoubin/Arz El-Rabb and 22 Crown Villages of Bcharre District, Case Study of the Spring 2021 semester.

Dr. Zouein started by exposing his career path: his role in UNESCO and then moving on to the private sector, by founding his own consulting firm GAIA-heritage. He elaborated on 2 main projects: Al-Hamra, Spain, and the creation of the Oman History Museum.

The second part of the lecture was explaining to the students the procedures and his work for listing on Wadi Qannoubin/Arz El-Rabb in the UNESCO World Heritage list. After, Dr. Zouain listen to the students’ analysis and recommendations for the area of work, advising each group on how to make recommendations for the District of Bcharre, in terms of urban morphology, built and natural heritage, intangible heritage, and the management systems: topics of work for the course.

Students were highly satisfied with his experience and lecture.

Anthony Rhayel visiting the Foundation

March 31, 2021

Mr. Anthony Rhayel and his team visited the foundation, documenting the cultural heritage of the city of Byblos.

Lecture given at LAU-LCF

March 30, 2021

A lecture on “Cultural Heritage of Wadi Quannoubine – Arz er Rabb & the 22 Crown Villages of Bcharre” given by Dr. Hany Kahwagi-Janho” at LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation, to the students of Regional Urbanism of LAU with their instructor Miss Juliana Najem Sfeir.

Dr. Michel Mawad visiting LAU-LCF

October 27, 2020

Dr. Michel Mawad, the ninth president of the Lebanese American University and the chair of the governing board of LAU-LCF during his visit to LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation on Tuesday October 27, 2020.

The National Museum of Antiquities of Leiden visiting LAU-LCF

February 18, 2020

The director and project managers of the National Museum of Antiquities of Leiden were recommended by the Directorate General of Antiquities at the Ministry of Culture to collaborate with LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation for developing an international exhibition on Byblos at the National Museum of Antiquities of Leiden on October 22, 2022 .From left to right: Tanja van der Zon (Byblos Project leader, Dutch National Museum of Antiquities), Dr. Michel de Vreeze (Employee Byblos Project, Dutch National Museum of Antiquities), Dr. Lucas Petit (Head Department Collections and Research, Dutch National Museum of Antiquities), and Dr. Rachid Chamoun, (The Director of LAU-LCF).

Visiting the Foundation

January 23, 2020

LAU Design 8 students of architecture are working this semester on the Phoenicians’ Route. Every student is doing a research on one country in order to identify its Phoenician cultural ” foot print “, and to select one particular city with a strong narrative related to the Phoenicians.The aim is to propose a series of Visitors Centers in all these cities, promoting and connecting this common heritage.

President and board members of the tour guide syndicate of Lebanon visiting LAU-LCF

December 03, 2019

The president and board members of the tour guide syndicate of Lebanon visited LAU-Louis Cardahi foundation and met with Dr. Chamoun to discuss an action plan on sponsoring and activating smart ways Lebanon towards promoting cultural tourism in the various Lebanese cities and towns.
1- Elissar Baalbaki (President)
2- Arzeh El Hayek (General secretary)
3- Eliane Boutros (treasurer)
4- Jean-Claude Hawat
5- Marcelle Saliba (Cultural committee)

XII Euro Mediterranean Dialogue General Assembly, 2019

October 24-25, 2019

“Cultural Tourism in the Mediterranean Scenario…on the Phoenicians’ Route” (video - action plan - declaration - agenda).

Inauguration of “The Centre for the Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage”, (CPCH)

October 14, 2019

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture- Directorate General of Antiquities, the Lebanese American University - Louis Cardahi Foundation in partnership with The World Association for the Protection of the Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage in Times of Armed Conflict (WATCH); have inaugurated “The Center for the Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage (CPCH)”. The center represents a unique opportunity to develop a program that would address the protection of natural and cultural heritage. This will contribute to enabling the concerned parties in Lebanon to set proper measures that would permit abiding with the country’s commitment toward the concrete implementation of all the UNESCO Heritage related Conventions, Protocols and Guidelines.

The center launched its first interactive workshop on “Disaster Risk Reduction to Protect Natural and Cultural Heritage” on October 15-16, 2019. The Target group encompassed concerned State and local authorities (e.g. Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Interior and municipalities, Ministry of Defense, IHL Directorate, Lebanese Army, Lebanese UNESCO Commission , Blue Shield National- Lebanon, UNIFIL Lebanon, and National Civil Protection Agencies - (e.g. civil and military engineers, scientists, regional planners, jurists, municipal engineers), ICOMOS , Civil Defense , National Red Cross Lebanon- LRC-DRR, NGOs, CSOs, Professional organizations (Board of Architects, Engineers, Geologists) and others.

Exhibition of the Phoenician Alphabet Series

September 27, 2019

Nayla Romanos Iliya [Architect and Sculptor]

The Phoenician Alphabet: A contemporary Living Culture

The purpose of this group of sculptures is to give a new cultural perspective to the Phoenician alphabet. The artist applies the complex geometry of the characters to express herself and tell metaphorical stories that make her feel closer to her roots, reconciling the present whilst paying tribute to the past. The Phoenician alphabet sculptures are displayed individually, as well as, in dialogue with one another. The reflective steel base of the sculptures symbolizes the reflective surface of the sea. Her work can be found in private collections, mainly in Lebanon, France and the UAE.

Visiting LAU-LCF

September 26, 2019

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Professor Vincent Panhuysen, a frequent international lecturer from Netherlands, visiting the LAU-LCF along with Dr. Marwan Basmaji and Mr. David Awad from LAU, School of Architecture and Design.

Recognition Award from the Organizers of the 124th Commemoration of the Beirut Damascus Line Inauguration

August 03, 2019

RAYAK TRAIN STATION - Municipal Park

LEBANESE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY - School of Architecture and Design Department of Architecture and Interior Design

Mr. Bachar Al-Amine, Landscape Architect

Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Project Coordinator.

Dr. Rachid Chamoun, professor of architecture and design at the Lebanese American university , director of LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation and president of the Confederation of the Phoenicians’ Route, has received the Recognition award from the Organizers of the 124th commemoration of the Beirut Damascus line Inauguration, for the design of the Rayak municipal community park under the patronage of his high excellency the president of the Lebanese Republic General Michel Aoun. Represented by MP H.E. Michel Daher.

A cultural trip from Ajaltoun to Byblos

June 16, 2019

The Cultural Centre of Ajaltoun organized a guided tour to the city of Byblos in order to discover the secrets of this historic city under the supervision of Dr. Marc Abou Abdallah, specialist in history and graduated from Sorbonne University - Paris. The program included a visit to LAU-LCF to learn more about the relevant role of this foundation in the spread of Phoenician history at local and international level.

International Award “Architects Meet in Selinunte”

June 13-16, 2019

Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Director of LAU-Cardahi Foundation and President of the confederation of the Phoenicians’ Route, presented “Byblos: Layers of Civilizations” and have received the Selinunte International Award of “Architecture and Landscape” along with his colleague architect Osama Hamdan, member of the Phoenicians’ Route Scientific Committee, professor of Conservation from Al Quds University and director of Mosaic Center of Jericho, in appreciation from the Italian Association of Architecture and Criticism during the “Architects Meet in Selinunte” on June 13-16, 2019.
Special thanks to Dr. Antonio Baroni, Director of the Phoenicians’ Route for his professional collaboration and endless support to the Phoenicians’ Route and Mr. Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi, and Mr. Orazio La Monaca, architects and lead organizers from the Italian Association of Architecture and Criticism.
Photos, presentations (English - Italian).

Mr. Philip Stoltzfus, Chairman of the LAU Board of Trustees (2016-2018), visiting the LAU-LCF

June 10, 2019

“At LAU we talk a lot about mission, and our role as an agent to make Lebanon a better place. The Cardahi Foundation and Dr. Chamoun are personifications of this mission- it is a joy to visit this special place , and to marvel at the important work you all undertake”. Mr. Philip Stoltzfus.

Virginia Common Wealth University (VCU) visiting the LAU-LCF

May 22, 2019

A group of students on a faculty led program from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond visited the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation. Their program is focused on Middle East Politics and Media and requires their engagement in experiential learning opportunities in Lebanon to gain hands on knowledge about the country and the region in areas that relate to politics, media, culture, gender, and refugee crisis. The group consists of 9 students and 1 faculty.

The “Sense and Sustainability” International Conference on Archaeology and Tourism in Zagreb, Croatia

May 08, 2019

Dr. Rachid Chamoun, President of the confederation of the Phoenicians’ Route and Director of LAU-Cardahi Foundation presented SMART WAYS LEBANON BY THE PHOENICIANS’ AND THE UMAYYAD ROUTES, at the “Sense and Sustainability” International Conference on Archaeology and Tourism on the 8th of May in Zagreb, Croatia. The conference engaged the most renowned speakers in the industry, along with a rich scientific and social program.

Visiting the Foundation

March 14, 2019

Prof. Jack Risley and Prof. Tom Debiaso, from NASAD Accreditation (National Association of Schools of Art and Design), visiting the LAU-LCF.

March 14, 2019

Claudio Sgarbi, a visiting associate professor in the Department of Architecture and Design - LAU, and Fabio Elia Sgarbi, a professional photographer visiting the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation.

Visiting the NABU Museum

January 23, 2019

Professor Antoine Lahoud, and LAU senior students of Interior Architecture during their visit to the NABU Museum.

LAU-Louis Cardahi foundation joins forces with NABU Museum to promote Lebanon’s Cultural Heritage.
LAU-Louis Cardahi foundation and the confederation of the Phoenicians’ Route of the Council of Europe are happy to celebrate the launching of the NABU Museum, “situated on the coast of the Mediterranean, at the village of El-Heri, in Ras Al Shaqa’, in the North of Lebanon”. The NABU Museum is a valuable cultural tourism destination along the Phoenicians’ Route itinerary.

Visiting the Foundation

January 23, 2019

Nayla Romanos Iliya, an architect and artist visiting the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation.

In preparation for the XII Euro Mediterranean Intercultural Dialogue on the Phoenicians’ Route

December 21, 2018

In preparation for the XII Euro Mediterranean Intercultural Dialogue on the Phoenicians’ Route
From January 9-12, 2019.
Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Director of LAU - Cardahi Foundation hosted a coordination meeting with the delegation of Jounieh municipality and municipal federation of Keserwan represented by: Mr. Rachid Otaki , Mr. Dany Azar, Mr. Shekry Masaad, and Ms. Therese Taweli and Dr George Younes (FIJET Lebanon) December 21, 2018.

The Phoenicians’ Route at the heart of our teaching learning practice

December 08-10, 2018

LAU students of Architecture and Urban Planning, presenting their research on designated cities and sites of the Phoenicians’ Route in Lebanon. The research encompassed historical reviews, maps, data, pictures, and SWOT analysis. The projects will be exhibited at the XII Euro Mediterranean Dialogue on the Phoenicians’ Route - 2019 Festival of Intercultural on January 9-12, 2019. The review committee was composed of Mrs. Juliana Najm, core faculty advisor, Dr. Marc Abou-Abdallah, Historian, Dr. George Younes and Ms. Therese Tawilee, of the World Federation of Travel Journalists and Writers (Fijet Lebanon) and Dr. Rachid Chamoun and Ms. Maria Bachour of LAU-Cardahi Foundation.

Study Trip Focusing on Exploring the Valuable Heritage Sites in Deir Al-Qamar

November 29, 2018

Along the Phoenicians’ Route Smart Ways.

A study visit to Dair Al Qamar by Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Director of LAU Cardahi Foundation, President of the Confederation of the Phoenicians’ Route and hosted by Mr. Dory Renno Principal of Planners and Partners sal.

The study trip focused on exploring the valuable heritage sites and urban landscape of the town in preparation for a regional urbanism case study with LAU architecture students for the 2019 - Spring semester.

Deir al-Qamar (Arabic: دير القمر‎), meaning “Monastery of the Moon” is a village south-east of Beirut in Chouf District, south-central Lebanon.

During the 16th to 18th centuries, Deir al-Qamar was the capital and the residence of the Emirate of Mount Lebanon. It is also notable for its 15th-century Fakhreddine Mosque, Fakhreddine II Palace, and the palace of the Emir Yusuf Shihab - today housing the Municipal Council heritage building, encompassing the Department General of Antiquities and Museum , the 17th century Deir al-Qamar Synagogue and the French institute of culture, and valuable historical churches. During its peak, the city was the center of Lebanese literary tradition.

Workshop Organized by the Lebanese University, Beirut -Lebanon

November 26, 2018

On Monday November 26, during a workshop organized by the Lebanese University, Beirut -Lebanon, a lecture entitled “on Urbanism and Architecture in the 8^th century BC of the Phoenician ERA in Sardinia island” delivered by Professor Michele Giurgius from the University of Sassari Italy. The presentation was attended by Professor Antoine Lahoud, member of the scientific committee of the Phoenician Route. During which Professor Lahoud addressed the leading role of LAU-Cardahi Foundation, within the confederation of the Phoenician Route.

A Study Visit to Umm Al Amad - South Lebanon

November 24, 2018

Along the Phoenicians’ Route Smart Ways, Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Director of LAU-Cardahi Foundation and President of the confederation of the Phoenicians route in accompany, with Dr. Hassan Badawi, Professor of Archaeology from the Lebanese University, and Dr. Michele Giurgius, Professor of Archaeology from the University of Sassari Italy exploring Um south Lebanon cultural heritage, exploring Umm Al Amad located on the eastern shoulder of the Naqoura Sea in South Lebanon. Umm Al-Amad encompasses layers of tangible Phoenician and Greek civilization artifacts. Although it was discovered by a French explorer in 1772, it was not excavated until 1861. Currently, the site excavation works are carried out by the the Directorate General of the department of Antiquities DGA and supervised by Archaeologist Hassan Badawi. The city/site is more than 60,000 square meters still bears witness to an important historical period and tells of architectural art and precision in engraving and sculpture with tools dating back to the Iron Age, so named after the discovery of iron nearly 3,000 years ago. Umm Al-Amad’s two temples were built roughly between 287 and 222 BC.

LAU-Cardahi Foundation and the Phoenicians’Route call for local and international institutions to support the DGA and Professor Badawi in raising funds for the resurrection of this valuable heritage site .

Exploring South Lebanon Cultural Heritage

November 24, 2018

Dr. Rachid Chamoun Director of LAU Cardahi Foundation and President of the confederation of the Phoenicians Route in accompany with Dr. Hassan Badawi from the Lebanese University and Dr. Michele Giurgius from the University of Sassari Italy exploring south Lebanon cultural heritage.

I feel honored of spending a valuable day exploring south Lebanon Phoenician and Roman heritage sites with our dear colleagues Dr. Hassan Badawi from the Lebanese University and Dr. Michele Giurgius from the University Of Sassari Italy concluding with a special visit with the Italian United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and hosted by the mayor of the city of Tyre Mr. Hassan Dbouk.

From Carthage to Tyre

November 17, 2018

Under the patronage of the Lebanese Embassy in Tunisia and the Tunisian Embassy in Lebanon represented by both ambassadors: His Excellency Mr. Karim Bodally and His Excellency Mr. Toni Franjeyyi
With the collaboration of the Lighthouse- Arab world Cinema and TV production
Celebrating
“From Carthage to Tyre”
At Citadel-Beit Marry -Lebanon
November 17,2018
Professor Antoine Lahoud member of the Phoenicians’Route Scientific Committee represented the Phoenicians’ Route.

Youngest Researcher visits the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation

November 12, 2018

Julia M. Basmaji, the youngest researcher on cultural heritage, visits the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation on Sunday, November 12, 2018.

Fourth edition of Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation Summer School - Med BSO Academy

November 09, 2018

Cagliari (Italy) - GACIC BSO Management Academy - Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation Summer School

On November 9th, Dr. Rachid Chamoun, President of the Phoenicians’ Route and Director of the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation, attended the 4th edition of the Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation Summer School - Med BSO Academy, organized in the framework of EBSOMED (Enhancing Business Support Organisations and Business Networks in the Southern Neighborhood), a project co-financed by the European Union and coordinated by BUSINESSMED (Union of Mediterranean Confederations of Enterprises).

Dr. Chamoun discussed the role of the Cultural Routes in promoting intercultural dialogue and cultural tourism, highlighting the activities in progress of the Phoenicians’ Route.

Visit to LAU-Cardahi Foundation library and museum

November 02, 2018

LAU-Cardahi Foundation hosted Mr. and Mrs. Jean-Louis Cardahi, Mr. John McCarthy, Managing Director of John McCarthy Publishing Switzerland, Mrs. Katherine Murphy McClintic, Vice President & Interim Director of Advancement at International College Beirut, Mr. Salim Esaily, Mrs. Elizabeth Rbeiz, Mrs. Haifa Abbas and Mr. Malek Hobeich on Friday November 02, 2018.

A Syrian/German delegation visiting the LAU-LCF

October 11, 2018

A Syrian/German delegation composed of 23 architects, archaeologists, surveyors and professors who are currently documenting and surveying Saint John Cathedral in Byblos, have visited the LAU-LCF library and museum facility on October 11, 2018.

General Assembly of the Phoenician’s Route in Zagreb (Croatia)

October 9, 2018

During The International General Assembly of The Phoenicians’ Route in Zagreb (Croatia) on October 9th, 2018, concurrently with the confederation’s celebration of the 15th anniversary of the route. Dr. Rachid Chamoun, Director of the LCF, was nominated by the confederation Scientific and Steering Committee member states and elected to serve as the President of the Confederation for the period of 2018-2020, succeeding professor Giovabbi Brizzi, president of the International Confederation Phoenicians’ Route 2016-2018.

Mr. Johan Celsing visiting the foundation

October 5, 2018

Mr. Johan Celsing, architect and professor of advanced design at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, gave a lecture on his own works titled: Plans, Meters, Intentions and Realities in Recent Designs. The lecture was held on October 4th at 4:30 pm at the School of Architecture and Design at the Beirut Campus. on October 5th, Mr.Celsing visited the LAU-LCF museum and library facilities in Byblos.

LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation is the heart of our teaching learning practice

November 1, 2018

Mrs. Jemma Chidiac and her Design III students visited the LAU-LCF digital museum and library. They have been informed about the Umayyad Route and the Phoenician Route.

October 18, 2018

LAU professor Mr. Pierre Hage Boutros and his students visited the LAU-Cardahi Foundation museum and Library, in search of performance space in the old city of Byblos.

September 27, 2018

Final year students of architecture from the Lebanese University visiting the foundation with their instructor Mr. Zakariya Kabrit.

September 19, 2018

LAU students of architecture will be engaged in using the foundation library and facilities as an urban laboratory to investigate Lebanon’s urban heritage. Selected cities/sites to span the evolution of the Phoenicians’ route will be surveyed. Students will produce maps, schemes, diagrams, drawings, sketches, data, pictures, surveys and of SWOT analysis of designated cities.

September 11, 2018

LAU students of architecture visiting the foundation with their instructor Professor Marwan Zouein for their current research about the city of Byblos.

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

July 16-22, 2018

(See posters)

LAU board members visited the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation

July 16, 2018

Dr. Joseph Jabra, President of LAU, Mr. Philip Stoltzfus, Chairman of the LAU board of trustees, Mrs. Cherilyn Murer, Secretary of the LAU board of trustees and chair of the health services committee, and Mr. Roy Majdalani, Vice-President for Human Resources and University Services, LAU, were welcomed by the director of the foundation, Dr. Rachid Chamoun.

Reception and lecture on the history of Byblos for Saint Francis International Club

June 9, 2018

Une journée des plus instructives à Jbeil grâce à Dr. Chamoun et Dr. Harb qui nous ont fait connaître le musée Cardahi, simplement une merveille archéologique! Un grand merci aussi à Dr. George Najjar (LAU) qui nous a facilité cette visite et la découverte de l’histoire de Jbeil. Il faudrait que tous les libanais connaissent Jbeil, une des plus anciennes villes de l’histoire remontant à 5000 ans avant J.C.

Scientific and Steering Committee Meeting, Selinunte

March 16, 2018

The meeting of the Phoenicians’ Route International Scientific Committee was held in in Marinella di Selinunte (Sicily), in the conference hall of the Admeto Hotel.

Various exhibitions and lectures promoting the LAU Louis Cardahi Foundation in Spain

October 2017

X Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue”Celebration of the XXX Anniversary of the Council of Europe Cultural Routes Program” in Jaén.

“Melilla, la Puerta del Mediterráneo”, Sustainable and Creative Tourism and Intercultural Dialogue in the Mediterranean exhibition, Mellila.

Foundation promoted at the 8^th International Conference on Science and Technology in Archaeology and Conservation in Amman, Jordan

May, 21 – 25, 2017

8th-international-conference-on-science-and-technology-in-archaeology-and-conservation-in-amman-jordan.png

Under the patronage of HE MINISTER OF TOURISM AND ANTQUITIES MS. LINA ANNAB

& HE THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF UNESCO MRS. IRINA BOKOVA

& HE THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF ICCROM MR. STEFANO DE CARO

The 8th International Conference on

Science and Technology in Archaeology and Conservation

Greater Amman Municipality - Al Hussein Cultural Centre

Amman - HK of Jordan

LAU Louis Cardahi Foundation promoted at the LAU-Byblos Exhibition in the UN headquarter, NYC

April 24, 2017

Phoenician route delegation visit to the LAU Louis Cardahi Foundation

March 23, 2017

The Phoenician route delegation, Lebanese Tourism Guides syndicate and Foundation director collaborated to launch an initiative for contributing to the sustainability of the “Phoenician route” project.

Inauguration of the Umayyad Digital Museum

December 19, 2016

The inauguration event followed the steering committee meeting and final conference of the Umayyad project.

Visits and Delegations

Participation to the Celebration of Spanish Contingent Transfer of Authority (TOA)

From Roots to Routes Workshop

Via Lebanon International Club visiting the Foundation

Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, Governing Board 2023, Luxembourg, May 10-11

“The Path of Transfiguration”

iHERITAGE visiting the foundation and the city of Byblos

First Edition of the Mediterranean Awards in Seville, Spain

Exploration of Lebanon by the Phoenicians’ Route

11th Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Annual Advisory Forum, Chania, Greece

Meeting Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic to UNESCO, Mrs. Sahar Baassiri

EPA Governing Board Meeting in Luxembourg

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

Lecture by Greta Naufal at LAU-LCF

Exhibition: Expo 2020 Dubai

Dr. Chamoun visiting the Lebanese President, General Michel Aoun

Dr. Mawad, Dr. Chamoun meeting the Minister of Tourism Eng. Walid Nassar

Meeting the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, Eng. Walid Nassar

Visiting the city of Baalbek

The Polish Embassy and Cracow University of Technology visiting the foundation

Lecture by Dr. George Zouain at LAU-LCF

Anthony Rhayel visiting the Foundation

Lecture given at LAU-LCF

Dr. Michel Mawad visiting LAU-LCF

The National Museum of Antiquities of Leiden visiting LAU-LCF

Visiting the Foundation

President and board members of the tour guide syndicate of Lebanon visiting LAU-LCF

XII Euro Mediterranean Dialogue General Assembly, 2019

Inauguration of “The Centre for the Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage”, (CPCH)

Exhibition of the Phoenician Alphabet Series

Visiting LAU-LCF

Recognition Award from the Organizers of the 124th Commemoration of the Beirut Damascus Line Inauguration

A cultural trip from Ajaltoun to Byblos

International Award “Architects Meet in Selinunte”

Mr. Philip Stoltzfus, Chairman of the LAU Board of Trustees (2016-2018), visiting the LAU-LCF

Virginia Common Wealth University (VCU) visiting the LAU-LCF

The “Sense and Sustainability” International Conference on Archaeology and Tourism in Zagreb, Croatia

Visiting the Foundation

Visiting the NABU Museum

Visiting the Foundation

In preparation for the XII Euro Mediterranean Intercultural Dialogue on the Phoenicians’ Route

The Phoenicians’ Route at the heart of our teaching learning practice

Study Trip Focusing on Exploring the Valuable Heritage Sites in Deir Al-Qamar

Workshop Organized by the Lebanese University, Beirut -Lebanon

A Study Visit to Umm Al Amad - South Lebanon

Exploring South Lebanon Cultural Heritage

From Carthage to Tyre

Youngest Researcher visits the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation

Fourth edition of Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation Summer School - Med BSO Academy

Visit to LAU-Cardahi Foundation library and museum

A Syrian/German delegation visiting the LAU-LCF

General Assembly of the Phoenician’s Route in Zagreb (Croatia)

Mr. Johan Celsing visiting the foundation

LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation is the heart of our teaching learning practice

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

LAU board members visited the LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation

Reception and lecture on the history of Byblos for Saint Francis International Club

Scientific and Steering Committee Meeting, Selinunte

Various exhibitions and lectures promoting the LAU Louis Cardahi Foundation in Spain

Foundation promoted at the 8th International Conference on Science and Technology in Archaeology and Conservation in Amman, Jordan

LAU Louis Cardahi Foundation promoted at the LAU-Byblos Exhibition in the UN headquarter, NYC

Phoenician route delegation visit to the LAU Louis Cardahi Foundation

Inauguration of the Umayyad Digital Museum

Foundation promoted at the 8^th International Conference on Science and Technology in Archaeology and Conservation in Amman, Jordan