Within its efforts to celebrate artistic breakthroughs, the Mariam and Youssef Library at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) organized a one-week exhibition titled “Unveiling Gaube: A Lebanese Journey,” which included a collection of Lebanese architectural photographs captured by the late German photographer Heinz Gaube. The vast collection includes more than 3,100 black-and-white photographs that meticulously document the rich heritage of traditional Lebanese architecture between the years of 1970 and 1975. The event was attended by NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury, guest of honor Katharina Luck, Chargé d'Affairs at the German Embassy in Beirut; Carlos Gitto, the Ambassador of Austria and Uruguay to Lebanon; Professor Joan Hobeish, Head of Keserwan Municipalities’ Union; Lebanese poet Nizar Francis; Dr. Margaret Eid, Interim University Librarian; representatives of party heads; heads of municipal and elective councils; cultural, academic, media, and social figures; in addition to Faculty and staff.
Following the Lebanese and German anthems, the Director of Public Affairs and Protocol at the University, Majed Bou Hadir, gave an opening speech in which he said: “The NDU libraries are adorned with a unique collection of photographs capturing Lebanon's timeless beauty, skillfully immortalized by acclaimed German photographer, Heinz Gaube. His lens preserves the elegance of traditional Lebanese architecture, depicting a poignant reminder of the country's heritage before the onset of conflicts and wars.”
Bou Hadir then added, “Gaube's work not only celebrates Lebanese culture but also reflects the German commitment to preserving and cherishing enduring values. The University is keen to preserve and pay the utmost attention to this intellectual asset, not only for students but for everyone who wishes to witness it.”
For her part, Dr. Margaret Eid delivered an address in which she said the following: "In this venerable institution, under the guidance of Father President Bechara El-Khoury, we have learned to navigate against the tide of successive crises, particularly the current one that threatens to regress our nation and stifle the aspirations of our youth. Today, our mission is to cultivate hope and foster positivity within the hearts of our students and throughout Lebanese society."
She continued by saying, “Many people asked me about the goal of the exhibition in light of a crisis like this one, and the response was that at NDU we always strive to achieve everything that falls within the framework of our mission and within the values that we believe in. We try, through education, to consolidate those values that will build the youth of Lebanon’s future. Today, NDU seeks, as usual, to portray the beauty of Lebanon in a positive light, particularly through Heinz Gaube’s captivating photographs.”
After Dr. Eid’s intervention, NDU President Fr. Khoury held an address in which he conveyed the following: “Through the lens of German photographer Gaube, the breathtaking beauty of Lebanon is vividly captured, revealing itself as a true masterpiece. His documentation allows us to immerse ourselves in and deeply appreciate this historical marvel. Gaube's work serves as a reminder that our heritage, crafted through our toil and rooted in our land, bears a profound significance that we are entrusted to safeguard."
The Father President also emphasized the sacred importance of preserving our land as a precious trust. He expressed NDU’s commitment to studying and safeguarding architectural and cultural heritage, ensuring it remains a guiding light for future generations. Concluding his remarks, Fr. Khoury underscored the vital connection between understanding history, preserving geography, and envisioning the future. He expressed gratitude towards the youth, recognizing their pivotal role in preserving the rich tapestry of our history and civilization.
As for Katharina Luck, the German Embassy Chargé d'Affairs, she expressed her delight in being part of the celebration honoring Professor Heinz Gaube’s legacy. As she stated, this collection of works has contributed greatly to the preservation of architecture and heritage in Lebanon, as the local architectural heritage reflects the development of the country’s cultural identity over the ages, which helps in understanding the historical roots and national identity between 1970 and 1975.
Luck concluded her speech by saying, “Local architectural heritage is an integral part of culture, history and national identity, and it must be preserved and enhanced for the benefit of current and future generations.”
Following her address, Lebanese poet Nizar Francis recited a poem in which he spoke of the beauty of Lebanon. In appreciation of their presence and contributions, Fr. Khoury presented Katarina Lack and poet Nizar Francis with a gesture of gratitude – a collection of books from the publications of NDU.
In summary, this exhibition played a pivotal role in promoting cultural understanding of Lebanese heritage. Inspiring research and insightful academic discussions among attendees, the event successfully established a platform for community engagement, paving the way for intellectual curiosity and reiterating the University’s commitment to ignite scholarly discourse.