The Maronite Odyssey : Cultural Contributions Across Eastern and Western Civilizations

Описание: The Maronites have a rich cultural heritage spanning centuries, highlighted by significant milestones throughout their history. In 1584, Pope Gregory XIII founded the Maronite College in Rome, establishing a foundation for a distinguished scholarly tradition. The Maronite Synod of 1736 mandated education for youth, resulting in the creation of numerous schools across Lebanon and the Levant. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Maronite scholars and their students translated Arabic and Islamic works into European languages and Western works into Arabic, fostering East-West and West-East knowledge exchanges and igniting a pre-renaissance in the Levant. In the 19th century, they were instrumental in the Arabic Renaissance, founding presses, publishing books, translating literature, launching journals, and revitalizing the arts while extending their cultural legacy globally through the diaspora. Today, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik continues this tradition through innovative programs and publications, ensuring the enduring global influence of the Maronite heritage.

The 23 meticulously curated panels featured in the exhibition at the United Nations, held in New York City from December 2 to 8, 2024, illustrate the Maronites’ enduring contributions to global heritage. We warmly invite you to explore this remarkable narrative, which promises to be an educational journey through a legacy that spans centuries and continents.

Curators: Joseph Moukarzel and Fadi Kmeid

Text: Guita Hourani