The Center for Arabic Research and Studies (CREA) of the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FdLT, USJ) celebrated its 80th anniversary on November 20 at the Bibliothèque Orientale (Oriental Library) during an exceptional evening titled “CREA 80: A Symphony of Words and Lights,” held under the high patronage of the Minister of Culture.
The event brought together Reverends Rectors Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, and Prof. François Boëdec, SJ; Prof. Gina Abou Fadel Saad, Dean of FdLT; His Excellency Mr. Khalil Karam, former Ambassador of Lebanon to UNESCO; a representative of the Belgian Embassy; Prof. Richard Maroun, Vice-Rector for Research, as well as several deans, directors, faculty members, students, and alumni—all gathered to pay a vibrant tribute to the Arabic language and its central place in USJ’s mission.
Founded in Bikfaya in 1945 by Father André d’Alverny, SJ, CREA was initially the Religious Center for Arab Studies, intended exclusively for Jesuits before opening to other congregations and later to laypeople, eventually becoming, in Beirut, the Center for Arabic Research and Studies. Throughout its history, CREA has consistently regarded the Arabic language as a space for dialogue, thought, and culture.
Introduced by the master of ceremonies, the young student Léa Kattar, the speeches followed one another in a warm atmosphere. Carole Nehmé, Director of CREA, opened the evening by recalling Father d’Alverny’s vision of the Arabic language as a “place of encounter.” She also thanked the various participants, highlighting the multilingualism so dear to USJ.
In turn, Prof. Saad emphasized not only the importance of keeping Arabic at the heart of university education, but also the richness of the teaching materials developed over the years by CREA—a unique corpus that has shaped the teaching of Arabic at USJ and beyond.
Professor of philosophy and student at CREA, Prof. Paul Colrat delivered a testimony full of humor and authenticity, in both classical Arabic and the Lebanese dialect.
The guest of honor, British painter Tom Young, spoke about his intimate connection with Lebanon, which he described as a country “that recognizes you before you recognize yourself.” He also presented a selection of his works, spanning 80 years, offering CREA a highly acclaimed exhibition.
Prof. Daccache reflected on the long-standing relationship between the Jesuits and the Arabic language, as well as on the decisive role played by Dutch Jesuits in the development of CREA.
The highlight of the evening was the artistic creation written by Carole Nehmé, “When Language Remembers Its Heart,” which brought to life a poetic dialogue between the Arabic language and the Center. Performed in voice-over by Prof. May Haddad, Director of CERTTAL, Ms. Nehmé, and Mr. Adham Dimashki, this allegory deeply moved the audience through its literary quality and narrative power.
The ceremony also celebrated youth through the awarding of DALE (Arabic as a Foreign Language Diploma) certificates to seven laureates from Wellspring School, underscoring CREA’s commitment to rigorous, accessible, and internationally recognized education.
The musical interlude, performed by Jana Tarhini (oud) and Romen Ayoub (darbuka), was met with great acclaim. The two students explored major currents of Lebanese music, to the audience’s delight, before concluding with a tribute to Ziad Rahbani.
By celebrating CREA’s 80th anniversary, USJ reaffirms that the Arabic language is one of the pillars of its identity. Faithful to its heritage and resolutely oriented toward the future, CREA will continue to be a space for transmission, research, and creation for generations to come.
Lire aussi : La langue arabe à l’honneur lors de la soirée célébrant les 80 ans du CREA
Click here for photos