The LAU Center for Lebanese Heritage (CLH) launched its new season for the academic year with a lecture by researcher Eddy Choueiry titled Beiteddine Palace: An Architectural Gem.

The event, which drew a full house of researchers, historians, faculty, staff, students and friends, aimed to uncover the known and hidden treasures of this cultural, historical and touristic landmark that has long upheld Lebanon’s heritage.

To make sense of such a complex site, the presentation followed seven key themes, including the palace’s construction phases throughout history; its architectural and structural design; the palace’s chronological timeline following the departure of Emir Bashir II of the Shihab dynasty; the palace through the literary eyes and pens of Orientalists; its archival treasures over time; its political stance as a summer presidential residence; and its artistic stature as an oasis for summer festivals.

The discussion also expanded to include the historical testimonies carved on marble plaques distributed throughout its halls, in addition to collected shared narratives about these plaques and the writings that discuss them in literature.

A particularly notable section of the presentation focused on the contributions of Emir Maurice Chehab, whose efforts were instrumental in safeguarding the palace’s heritage and restoring its collections.

Choueiri drew parallels between Chehab’s conservation work at Beiteddine and his protection of antiquities at the National Museum during Lebanon’s Civil War to highlight the enduring importance of stewardship in heritage preservation.

By presenting images of museum holdings in the palace, Choueiri underscored the need to reinvigorate its educational and cultural role to ensure that new generations of students and scholars engage with its history firsthand.

Following Choueiri’s talk, two additional interventions were offered by Head of the Beiteddine International Festival Nora Jumblatt and former president of the National Social Security Fund and then of the National Archives Hyam Mallat, who provided further historical insights on preservation efforts and their importance in maintaining and perpetuating Lebanon’s cultural landscape.

In closing, CLH Director Henri Zoghaib announced upcoming plans for the center’s continuation of the lecture series, to reinforce its dedication to cultivating a space for intellectual exchange and cultural education at LAU.

“This lecture is but one of many,” said Zoghaib. “Every opportunity we get to discuss the pieces of Lebanese history we have scattered around us is as important to us as it is to our students, who will carry the torch of renewal for years to come.”