Makary patronizes photo exhibition opening in Ehden, announces Information Ministry’s plan to organize an exhibition of 40,000 photos of Lebanon taken by a Greek architect in 1958

The Ehden and Bcharre Photographers Association inaugurated on Saturday their first exhibition under the patronage of Caretaker Information Minister, Ziad al-Makary, at the Abshi Hotel - Ehden, in presence of political figures, senior representatives and dignitaries from the region. In his word on the occasion, Minister Makary referred to the atmosphere of joy and peace that Ehden is experiencing during the time of the beatification of Patriarch Estephan al-Duwaihy, announcing the Ministry of Information's plan to organize an exhibition related to historical images of Lebanon. He said: "In 1958, the Lebanese state commissioned a Greek architect by the name of Constantinos Toxianos to carry out a master plan for housing. When he arrived in Lebanon, he was surprised that there were no documents, maps, licenses, or other supplies to implement the project, so he decided to photograph Lebanon and take about 20,000 images in all Lebanese regions and in many locations...Therefore, the Ministry of Information decid ed to organize a large exhibition of his photos in Beirut and publish a book containing 600 images he had taken of Lebanon..." Makary continued: "To this end, I visited Greece and met with members of his foundation. Fortunately, I met his daughter, who informed me that her father's archive of photos about Lebanon reaches 40,000 photos, not 20,000. This is what we consider a legacy for Lebanon and the Lebanese and a message to the Lebanese youth who do not know the old Lebanon that was demolished at hands of the Lebanese..." He hoped that the expected exhibition in Beirut upcoming October or November will serve as an important message that "Lebanon is a beautiful country and deserves to be celebrated.' Makary concluded by praising the idea of ??the joint exhibition, 'with the hope that we will see similar activities in Bcharre and the North," praising the efforts and dedication of the organizers. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon