A celebration was held for the signing of the book “The Historical Stages of Akkar through its Archaeological Sites” by Dr. Imad Nicolas Younes, organized by Caritas – Akkar Sector, and under the patronage of Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi at the University of Notre Dame – Louaizeh. Attendees included MP Jimmy Jabbour, Father Michel Abboud, President of Caritas Lebanon, Father Bechara Khoury, President of the University, Mrs. Rose Choueiry, President of the Maronite Foundation, Father Roland Murad, Coordinator of Sectors, Executive Director Gilbert Zouein, heads of sectors, and religious, social, municipal, and military figures.
After the national and Caritas anthems, Majed Bou Hadir, Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, delivered a welcome speech. Father Khoury then greeted all, particularly “the people of Akkar in their home at Notre Dame University.” He shared, “It’s natural for Father Michel Abboud to seek Notre Dame’s door, for in the union of NDU, Caritas, and Akkar, I see the three divine virtues: faith, hope, and love. We believe in Akkar’s land, see love through Caritas, and hope for a brighter future through our youth. This trinity is embodied today.”
Father Abboud remarked, “In Akkar, we are often seen as the outskirts, but His Beatitude the Patriarch called us the fence. Yet, we believe we are not the end of the world, but its beginning.” He warmly welcomed the attendees, saying, “The presence of each face that cherishes words reminds us that dialogue is not merely an exchange of words, but the pulse of life and the spirit of unity, reviving the essence of brotherhood and humanity.”
He continued, “Our journey unfolds through various stages—childhood full of dreams, youth brimming with ideas and aspirations, and maturity, when experiences and values shape us. While we embrace advancements like artificial intelligence and ChatGPT, we remain human, carrying within us a heritage of lived experience that no technology can replace.”
He added, “Each of us desires to leave a lasting legacy. The true question we face is, ‘What will we leave for others?’ At this stage, we focus on nurturing talent and transferring responsibilities in harmony with our experiences. Renewal is not fleeting but the continuation of a legacy that we build together.”
He shared, “When I led the Qbayyat Monastery, Dr. Imad Younes urged me to revisit our historical archives, reinforcing the importance of preserving the records that form the identity of Caritas Lebanon. Our shared heritage is the result of the efforts of those before us, forming the foundation for our present and future.”
He concluded, “We know that communities outlast individuals. It is through the passing of knowledge and responsibilities between their members that true strength is forged. Our unity and shared spirit enable us to face challenges and accomplish our goals. Together, we are a success story that transcends borders, bridging experience with youth. We are not the heirs of forgotten graves, but rather, we are created to live a life full of hope and ambition. Every stone in Lebanon’s villages and towns holds the story of a person who left their mark, reminding us to value creativity and the efforts required to build a brighter future.”
Professor Marwan Abi Fadl provided an insightful overview of regional history. He highlighted Dr. Imad Younes’ book, “The Historical Stages of Akkar Through Its Monuments”, as a crucial work that illuminates the history of a region that has contributed to the formation of a true Lebanese identity. It is a lesson in Akkar’s history through the ages, born from a deep national commitment and a belief in the importance of knowledge and historical research.”
Professor Abi Fadl outlined the book’s three parts. The first covers Akkar’s history from ancient times to the withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon in 1946, noting the region’s name and its geographic context. He referenced Dr. Anis Feryeha’s theory that “Akkar” derives from the Semitic root meaning “obstruction” or “blockade,” and emphasized archaeological evidence of human settlement in the area over 700,000 years ago.
Dr. Younes explores Akkar’s history through various periods, including the Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Crusader eras. He examines their demographic influence, supported by archaeological evidence such as Crusader forts and churches. Additionally, the book delves into the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, culminating in the modern history of Akkar, which traces Lebanon’s political independence and the end of the French mandate.
Professor Abi Fadl praised Dr. Younes for his exhaustive research, particularly noting the exceptional second part of the book, which represents eight and a half years of fieldwork focused on uncovering and analyzing Akkar’s archaeological remains.
Michel Nasr, head of the Caritas Akkar sector, discussed the cultural, historical, and tourism significance of the book. He highlighted Caritas’s commitment to assisting those in need while simultaneously fostering knowledge and culture to help communities thrive. Nasr expressed hope that Akkar would experience the much-needed development, particularly with the formation of the new government.
Dr. Younes began his speech by announcing that his book would be translated into five languages: French, English, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. He explained that his research into Akkar’s history, despite the dangers he faced, was a duty to a region that has been a cultural hub for over seven thousand years. He challenged the claims of some historians about the history of the region, proving through his research that Akkar’s ancient sites and monuments were integral to the development of Lebanon’s history.
He also issued an urgent call to officials and ministers to stop the damage to Akkar’s archaeological sites, which are being destroyed, looted, and trafficked abroad. He called for these sites to be protected as national property, which could serve as tourist attractions, generating millions of dollars in annual revenue for Lebanon.