In the framework of the UNESCO project “Beirut: World Book Capital - 2009”, MAJAL, Saint-Joseph University, Promorient and Fondation Liban Cinéma are jointly organizing a set of cultural activities, in a distractive and playing mode.

They will be based on the thematic: “from Phoenician alphabet to the Nahda: itineraries and great figures”, 2 sagas in which Lebanon used to play a major role.

The event will take place at Zokak el-Blat., due to its cultural and historic value: the neighbourhood played a main role in Nahda’s history: journalists, writers and poets used to live and work there. In addition, many missionary schools were founded there, but also the first non-religious school as well as the first national printing house.

The activities, which will take place two times, in September and October 2009, during 3 days, will consist in:

• broadcasting of a short film redrawing the events history of the Phoenician alphabet
• preparing a “Sounds and Lights” Show, highlighting patrimonial facades, relating the history of writers and poets of the end of the 19^th century
• organizing, in partnership with the cultural edifices of the area, a set of cultural programs
• implementing a historic path, whose the thematic is “cultural heritage”.

If the project is a success, it will be duplicated after then.

The focus on Beirut, due to international cultural news will benefit to the program. The events will also give rise to draw public attention on the threatened heritage value of Zokak el-Blat.