Under the patronage of Prime Minister Judge Nawaf Salam, and at the invitation of Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salamé, a distinguished ceremony was held at the National Library in Sanayeh to mark the first anniversary of the passing of renowned novelist, journalist, and intellectual Elias Khoury.
The event was attended by the Prime Minister’s spouse, Ambassador Sahar Baassiri, Ministers Tarek Mitri, Haneen Sayed, and Amer Bassat, along with Egyptian Ambassador Alaa Moussa, several Members of Parliament, cultural figures, and members of Khoury’s family.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks by Ms. Julnar Atwi Saad, Executive Director of the National Library, followed by an emotional address from Khoury’s daughter, producer and actress Abla Khoury, who spoke on behalf of the family, expressing gratitude to all who continue to preserve her father’s literary and human legacy.
In his speech, Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salamé reflected on Khoury’s life and the generation to which he belonged — a generation born in the mid-twentieth century, united by an enduring passion for freedom that transcended political sectarianism and championed just causes, foremost among them the Palestinian struggle. Salamé described Khoury as a “shining star” of that era, whose work embodied the spirit of liberty, from literary criticism and journalism to groundbreaking novels and teaching in Lebanon and abroad.
He emphasized that Khoury, whose masterpieces include Little Mountain and Gate of the Sun, enriched modern Arabic literature with creativity and generosity, leaving an indelible mark on readers and critics alike.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Salam presented Khoury’s family with the National Order of the Cedar, awarded by the President of the Republic, saying:
“It is an honor to present this decoration to Elias’s family, which I also consider my own.”
The Vice President of the American University of Beirut announced the creation of an annual prize, initiated by friends of the late author, to recognize outstanding achievements in literature. Beirut Mayor Ibrahim Zeidan also revealed plans to name the public library in Bachoura after Elias Khoury, as a tribute to his enduring influence.
At the close of the event, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Culture, and guests toured an exhibition showcasing Khoury’s novels, essays, personal belongings, and memorable quotations, celebrating the life and legacy of one of the Arab world’s most significant literary voices.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
