History of the Foundation

The Louis Cardahi Foundation was created by the late engineer’s family to honor a man widely known for his humane spirit. Indeed, Louis Cardahi was constantly engaged in public service, spending countless time and effort to develop his birth town and educate and train its youth. The foundation’s main mission is to promote Byblos’s history and further Cardahi’s belief in cultivating educated and cultured young people, who would contribute positively to the building of a pluralistic and tolerant civil society in Lebanon.

The foundation, located in an ancient private property in the old town of Byblos, was officially inaugurated on September 17, 1995.

Upon the death of Louis Cardahi, his family strongly believed that a foundation perpetuating his name might help recreate the atmosphere of a golden age that had been lost by erosion, by bringing together in one place all the discoveries and marvels he had gleaned over the years of his life. Their hope was to encourage people of goodwill to unite, shake others out of their apathy, and save this important part of Lebanon’s patrimony. They envisioned that the foundation would promote the rich history and culture of Byblos and offer visiting students and researchers rich and diverse documentation about the city throughout the centuries of its existence.

In the years since its establishment, the Louis Cardahi Foundation hosted several artistic and photographic exhibitions, held many workshops and seminars, and issued multiple publications. It received countless visitors from all sectors: academic personnel  (both local and international), political, cultural and diplomatic figures, and students from all corners of Lebanon.

Strong believers in the role and values of the Lebanese American University, the Cardahi family donated the Louis Cardahi Foundation to LAU on February 21, 2013. As part of the agreement, LAU will persevere with the foundation’s efforts to promote respect for Byblos’s architectural, cultural and historical legacy.