The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST), in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) organized a photo exhibition honoring the Baalbeck International Festivals. The exhibition consisted of 260 photos dating back from the beginning of the festivals in 1956 until 2017. The photos were of legends who performed at the momentous temples of Baalbeck, such as Fayrouz, Um Kalthoum, and many others. This artistic activity comes within the framework of the project, Empowering Women to Lead (EWL 2). The photo exhibition was held at the historic Palmyra Hotel in Baalbeck, facing the Baalbeck temples, and was attended by the founder of the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST), Dr. Ramy Lakkis, and the president of the Baalbeck International Festivals, Mrs. Nayla De Freige, among others.
Mrs. De Freige, president of the Baalbeck International Festivals stated, “the Baalbeck International Festival has been distinctive since its inception in the 1950s, and every year it has an advantage. Last year, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the festivals and we will continue the march under any difficult circumstances”. This exhibition brings back the memories of the fifties and sixties, which depicts the history and heritage of Baalbeck and its people in all their artistic, cultural, social, and economic details. Furthermore, the mayor of Baalbeck, Mr. Hussein Lakkis emphasized that “it is important to maintain the international character of these festivals, because Baalbeck is an international city, and holds unique structures in the world”.
Moreover, Dr. Lakkis pointed out that “the goal of LOST is to create a real relationship between the true image of Baalbeck throughout history to continue in the future. This exhibition of photos aims to maintain the artistic and cultural atmosphere in Baalbeck”. Mrs. De Freige promised to listen to the advice and observations of Baalbeck community members, keen on the universality and grandeur of the festivals. The exhibition lasted for four days, where many visitors had the chance to walk through the history of Baalbeck’s International Festivals.
