UTRECHT
BEIRUT
FAST FACTS
Beirut, millennial blend of orient and occident. Beirut is an ancient city with over 4,000 years of history, marked by several civilizations including Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Arab, Crusader, Ottoman, and French. In 238 AD, during the Roman period, Beirut was known as the “mother of Laws” because of its famous Law school. Today, this millennial blend of civilizations is part of Beirut’s cultural identity and urban fabric.
Beirut, cultural hub, literary muse. Beirut is the capital of Lebanon, and home to the country’s main socio-economic infrastructure. Since the 1940s, Beirut grew into a regional cultural hub with a well-established literary ecosystem, featuring universities, libraries, authors, publishers, bookshops, literary cafes, theaters, and festivals. This fertile environment attracted and inspired numerous writers and poets from the Arab and middle east region.
Beirut, wounded city, phoenix city. Historically, Beirut has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. It has been compared to a phoenix which keeps rising from its ashes. In modern times, between 1975 and 1990, Beirut witnessed massive destruction resulting from a devastating war. Nonetheless, even during the war years, Beirut never stopped rebuilding itself and reaffirming its rich cultural identity. In literature, authors transformed the devastating war experience into a soulful experience. Today, Beirut is facing a perilous compound crisis which threatens its very existence and cultural identity.
Beirut, city of language, city of education. Beirut is a multi-lingual city, where education is delivered in three languages, and where books and the press are published in three languages (Arabic, English, and French). A city open onto world cultures, and home to the highest concentration of universities in Lebanon (Beirut is 20 Km2, and home to over 10 universities), including one of the first anglophone universities in the Arab world, the American University of Beirut founded in 1866, and one of the first francophone universities in the Arab world, Saint Joseph University of Beirut founded in 1875.
Beirut, city of authors, city of books. In its modern history, Beirut has played a pivotal role in connecting Arabic literature and World Literature. Beirut’s cultural dynamism and deep-rooted tradition of liberal education and free press have attracted numerous Arab writers and poets who chose to make Beirut their home. In parallel, this rich cultural landscape has inspired numerous Lebanese authors who became international award winners, some residing in Lebanon, and others part of the Lebanese Diaspora. On average, Lebanon publishes 2000 books per year despite the never-ending crises that afflict it. In acknowledgement of Beirut’s role in book culture, UNESCO designated Beirut as World Book Capital in 2009.
BOOK FESTIVALS
Beirut Arab International Book Fair. Held since 1956, the Fair is a major annual gathering of Lebanese and Arab authors, publishing houses, libraries, and book enthusiasts. It is organized by the Arab Cultural Club and the Union of Publishers in Lebanon. It Brings together more than 200 Lebanese and Arab publishing houses and draws over 300,000 visitors per year. The book fair includes multiple events, including literary seminars, lectures, and poetry readings.
Salon du Livre Francophone de Beyrouth. Held since 1992, it is one of the major international francophone book fairs, gathering francophone authors and publishing houses from all parts of the world. It is organized by l'Institut français du Liban, and features multiple activities including literary readings, round table discussions, exhibitions, and workshops. It was put on hold in 2019 due to force majeure conditions in Lebanon.
Lebanon International Book Fair. Held its eighth edition in 2023. The fair gathers around 300 publishers from various parts of the world. It is organized by the Syndicate of Publishers Union in Lebanon, and includes multiple activities including literary talks, panel discussions, and workshops.
Beirut Books. Held its second edition in 2023. It is a multi-venue festival of international francophone books. It is organized by l'Institut français du Liban. The Festival gathers international francophone authors, and features multiple activities including literary readings, dialogues, exhibitions, workshops, and concerts.