A new compilation of Abou Abed jokes by Sabina Mahfoud, with illustrations by Patrick Sfeir, has been published this Christmas by the publisher, Turning Point. She has collated some of the cleaner jokes featuring Abou Abed and published them in a bilingual book called, The Abou Abed Joke Book.

For those who are not aware of Abou Abed, he is an fictional character known throughout Lebanon and the Middle East. In illustrations he features a large mustache wearing a tarboush hat and sherwal pants. His wife, Em Abed, is often the butt of jokes accompanied by his accomplice Abou Steif.

A few of the jokes appear on the Full Story page.
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The programme, " No'ta Fassleh" (POINT COMMA), broadcast by OTV, on which Father Youssef Yammine appeared on 23rd December 2008 discussing his book, " JESUS BORN IN LEBANON AND NOT IN JUDEA," can be seen from the below links:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

The recording and links are courtesy of El Marada.

One of the great contemporary Ehden writers and thinkers, Father Youssef Yammine, will be appearing on OTV programme," No'ta Fassleh" (POINT COMMA) on Tuesday, 23rd December 2008 at 9.30pm. The programme discusses social, cultural and political subjects.

Father Yammine will discuss his new book, " JESUS BORN IN LEBANON AND NOT IN JUDEA," and the ideas behind it.

The Father was born in 1933, Ehden and began his ecclesiastic studies in 1947, studying at the University of St. Joseph. In 1962, he was ordained. He continued his studies in Rome and in Paris at the Sorbonne University. On his return to Lebanon he studied Philosophy at the Maronite Patriarchal Ecclesiastic College in Gazir, and also at the Sagesse Institute of Beirut.

He has written many books, including the history of Ehden and on science.

Admirers have created a Facebook group.

One of our favourite Zgharta born authors, Rachid El Daif, has a Facebook Fan Group.

Zgharta born journalist, Robert F. Frangieh, will be appearing on the, "Zoom In," programme of NewTV this Saturday, 13th December 2008 at 6 pm.

The programme is a weekly talk show on the movie industy and its stars. It reports on all aspect of the movie industry, with previews of newly release European and American movies.

On Saturday, Robert will be talking about the history of the cinema in Zgharta and Ehden and the personalties involved during past years.

We at zgharta.com interviewed Robert earlier this year about his life and work which can be read from here here.

For the unfortunates who did not visit Ehden this summer, here is what you missed.

View from St.George's

Ehden - Gone Wild

Ehdeniyat 2008

Al Midan

Saydet El Hosn

If you have a video of your visit this year, put it online and let us know.

Also admire the paintings of Khalil Harbie, featuring scenes from Ehden, from here.

The Lebanese media this week is reviewing the publication of "Akkar to Amel, Lebanon's Slow Food Trial," written by Dr. Rami Zuraik and Sami Abdul Rahman.

It has been described as part guidebook, part development report and part textbook. Among the 25 Lebanese heritage foods mentioned is Ehden's local delicacy, darfieh, goat's cheese, featuring Ehden goat shepherd, Youssef al Doueihi.

The author's say that Youssef's father and ancestors were shepherds. During the spring and summer months, his 500 goats roam freely on the summit lands of Ehden. His darfieh, they say, is acknowledged by many of his peers as being one of the finest. It is white, solid and crumbles when cut: these are the marks of a good darfieh, they say. He makes it in late summer, when the temperature has cooled down and goats’ milk is still available. Per year he produces darfieh in 30 to 40 goat skins, each with a capacity of 50 kilos. They are all sold locally and appear on many of Ehden's restaurant menus.

To read about Youssef's recipe for darfieh go here.

In October 2005, darfieh was adopted, through the effects of the, René Moawad Foundation and the Slow Food In Lebanon & Italy Movement, by the Slow Food Presidia Programme as a Slow Food Presidium. The name is derived from the loosely translated word for garrison, Presidia, (Presidium, singular). The programme seeks to safeguard endangered foods and traditions, with organising and funding local projects to improve the infrastructure of artisan food production. The goals of the Presidia are to guarantee a viable future for traditional foods by stabilizing production techniques, establishing stringent production standards, and promoting local consumption.

The review of, Now Lebanon, appears on the Full Story page.
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Local artist, Boulos Khawam, who recently held a one man show at the Balamand University, was interviewed on Orange Television (OTV), where he talked about his work.

He was born in 1965 and graduated from the Lebanese University in 1987.

Photographs of his exhibition can be seen from here, where Mrs. Rima Sleiman Frangieh and former Minister Estephan Doueihi were photographed attending.
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The 15th Salon Francophone Du Livre, is being held in Beirut between 23rd October to 2nd November 2008.

Attending is Ehden born author, Rachid Daif, who is photographed in today's Lebanese national newspaper, An Nahar, signing copies of his book, "Fais Voir Les Jambes Leila", which was translated from Arabic into French.

Rachid was born in 1945 and studied Arabic Modern Literature at the Université de Paris III, Sorbonne Nouvelle. He is an Assistant Professor at the Lebanese University.

Zgharta born photographer and website designer appeared on the, NEW TV, programme, Nataloo recently. He talks about his interest in photography and the various cameras he uses. During the programme a selection of his photographs are shown.

A natural born performer on telvision as in life.

The recording of the programme can be seen from the link: Alexy

To learn more of the work of Alexy and his photographs visit his website www.alexfr.org and his folder on the photo sharing website, Pbase

Alexy was born in 1978, Zgharta and has a varied career in graphic design, analog and digital sound engineering. He has held many creative positions such as head graphic designer, art director and documentary project manager in North Lebanon and Beirut. He has also created digital art and multi-media exhibitions.

In 2005 he released the album, "Fada Ghayrak ya man," a mix of experimental music with musician, Jamil Ghaleb and Elias Rouhban and tracks bundled together with voiceovers of Al Sahhaf and political utterances. His previous music included the successful song, "di3an el zhro" .

When, movie star, Salma Hayek, was asked on a British TV programme, what was her nationality, replying that she was half Lebanese, her Irish interviewer misunderstood her to say she was half lesbian!

So beware girls when asked your nationality. Although sometimes it can be useful to be misunderstood to get rid of an unwelcome male suitor at a disco!

As at Christmas so at Ramadan, some of the best television programmes are broadcast. This year throughout the world, Zgharta Zawiens have been watching the series on one of the superstars of Arab music, Asmahan.

We reproduce on the Full Story page two articles on the Druze Princess and singer. One published by Asia Times, which recounts even today the telling of her story has raise controversary and Agence France Presse, who reports on the large audience the series has attracted, especially with the younger generation who was not aware of her life.


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We reproduce on the Full Story page an article written for the English newspaper, The Guardian, on the traditional Arab male headdress, the keffiyeh, which has now become a chic fashion accessory in the West.

Bring back the Tarboosh!
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In the summer the Italian co-operative project, Tercom, published the, Atlas of Lebanese Traditional Products, which celebrates tradtional Lebanese food. It provides details where the food is grown, when it harvested and how to make it.

You can download the Atlas and the Press Release from the links below. A selection of recipes appears on the Full Story page.

Atlas.

Press Release.


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Ehden born Joe Chedrawi has been interviewed by the Lebanese French language newspaper, L'Orient Le Jour concerning his photography.

The article can be read in the Full Story page.
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The, Cinemaiyat, announced on its first day the winners of the "Ehdeniyat Golden Apple Award Competition 2008" for best short movie.

First prize went to Assi Rahbani (USEK), the son of Ziad Rahbani, for his movie “Beyrouth wa Beyrouth wa Beyrouth"; second prize went to Lea Cremona (USJ) for her movie “Sana Hilwa”; and third prize went to Fouad Yammine, for "Khabriyeh."

There were 25 movies entered in the Competition by Lebanese cinema clubs and universities.

At the opening was former Minister Sleiman Tony Frangieh; Mrs. Rima Sleiman Frangieh, as President of the Al Midan Association; Telecommunication Minister Jebran Bassil; Gen.Joseph Maarrawi, President of the Zgharta Ehden Municipal Council.

The movies will be shown over the next few days in Ehden, but you can view Fouad's movie on Youtube from here.

Long awaited by his fans this, Sunday, 24th August 2008, sees Zgharta born author, Antonio Mouawad, launch his latest book, “Makaad Al Khashabi,” at Mar Mema Church starting from 5 pm.

The author says that it a true story and an romance whose characters are real. The title loosely translated means wooden bench.

Last year Antonio launched his first novel, "Tazawwaz walaw Benit Chare3," to great acclaim, which included people and episodes from his own life. So once again see if you have caught the author's notice and appear in his latest book.

The novelist was born in 1969 and his parents are Mouawad and Mariette Mouawad. He played for Salam Zgharta between 1986 - 2000 and was in the team which won the Lebanese Cup in 1986. He also played in the Lebanese national team in 1991 and 1992. From 2000 to 2005 he was an assistant coach with Salam Zgharta. Having written poetry for many years, even when he was playing football, he has more recently concentrated on exploring the novel form. Antonio is known affectionately as Abou Ali.

Our friends Francois Yammine and Charles Frangieh have produced a video in tribute to Venerable Patriarch Estephan Douaihy.

The music was composed by Francois with the lyrics in Syriac (Aramaic), the images were compiled by Charles.

Charles says that, "One of the many accomplishments of Venerable Patriarch Douaihy was that he preserved our heritage. One way he did so, was by saving the actual Syriac folklore musical notes. The music we hear today in Maronite Mass was once the music of the people. Francois has done extensive research about this, resulting in his composition; and which has inspired this modest tribute; that seeks to mix history and the vision of tomorrow."

The 7th Annual George Yammine Commemorative Festival took place on Sunday, 27th July 2008 at the Mar Sarkis Monastery, Ehden. The German baroque music ensemble, Paradiesgartchen, played a recital.

Among the audience were the poet's widow, Mrs Maria Yammine; Mrs Rima Slieman Frangieh; President of the Zgharta Ehden Municipal Council, General Joseph Maarrawi; former Member of Parliament for Zgharta Zawie, Mr. Kassar Farid Mouawad; former Member of Parliamnt for Akkar, Mr. Karim El Rassi; Attorney Toufic Mouawad; Attorney Emile Rahmeh; Mr. Kaissar Bassim of the Centre Hospitalier du Nord; Mr Sarkis Hleiss and the sister of the poet, Mrs Vera Yammine.

Photographs of the event can be seen in the Galleria courtesy of El Marada.

The 7th Annual George Yammine Commemorative Festival takes place on Sunday, 27th July 2008 at 5 p.m..

This year the Festival is being held at the Mar Sarkis Monastery, Ehden and will include an performance by the German baroque music ensemble, Paradiesgartchen.

As part of the evening the CD, Sawt wa Ghiniah (Voice and Song), a collection of songs written by the late George Yammine will be distributed. The CD begins with the voice of the poet.Those singing include Hiam Younes,Patra al-Nakhl, Ghassan Shedrawi and Sammy Hawat.

The English weekly journal, The Economist, has reviewed the new memoir by Lebanese journalist and novelist, Amin Maalouf, called, Origins. The memoir of his family goes back 100 years to Mount Lebanon and recounts the story and times of his grandfather, Boutros.

The author was born in Beirut, 1949, to Catholic parents. His father, Ruchdi Maalouf, was a writer, teacher, journalist and Greek Catholic. His mother, Odette, was from a Maronite family. Like his father, Amin became a journalist and in 1977 emigrated with his wife and three children to Paris. His work include books and opera librettos and many of his books have been translated into more than forty languages. In 1993 he received the French literature prize, Prix Goncourt.

The review is posted on the Full Story page. Other reviews can be found on the internet for the memoir as well as for his other books, which can be purchased online.


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Last week saw the 14th Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, in Morocco. Since its beginnings it has welcomed artists from all over the world of all faiths.

The aim of the Festival says the B.B.C. is to, "promote better understanding between cultures and faiths through exposure to some of the most sublime expressions of faith - sacred music."

One of the most outstanding performances of the Festival was by the Lebanese singer Ghada Shubeir. The report by the B.B.C said that, "Accompanied by the Qanoon, an Arabic string instrument, she chanted Christian hymns in Syriac (a liturgical language used in some Middle Eastern churches which is related to Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus Christ). The performance was incredibly crisp, and its spiritual roots stretched back hundreds of years. Ms Shubeir said after the concert it was the first time she had been invited to perform in a Muslim country.

Not having heard of Ghada Shubeir before, we discovered that she was the 2007 Winner of the Middle East/North Africa Award, part of the B.B.C.'s Radio 3 Awards for World Music 2007, as well as the Audience Award. She is considered as one of the leading exponents of Arabo-Andalusian singing and Assyrian religious chants.

In 2006 she released her debut album, Al Muswashahat, which is the plural of muwashah (‘melody’), which the B.B.C's report's as being a "type of poetry-based song invented by Moukkadam Ibn Muafa at the end of the 10th century in what is now Southern Spain. At that time it was called Al-Andalus and under Arab rule. The genre was eventually exported to North Africa and the Middle East, where it became a key part of the Tarab, the classical Arab music of the region. In the early 20th century this Arabo-Andalusian music underwent a revival, but has in recent decades been eclipsed by various pop genres, to the point where many consider it in danger of dying out."

The report went onto write that, "Some of the muwashahat on the album go back 1,000 years, but others are relatively recent compositions. Rather than swamping them in digital beats or symphonic arrangements which would struggle or clash with the required quartertones and complicated time signatures, Shbeir’s swooping melismas get sparse, elegant backing from a small oriental takht of acoustic instruments – oud, violin, bass, qanun (plucked zither), ney (flute) and percussion. Less is very definitely more, and time stands still for 40 minutes, at the end of which you’ll be left wondering why, having won accolades in Lebanon and abroad for the past decade, she didn’t do this sooner."

To watch or listen her perform at the Award's Winner's Concert click here.

As well, on You Tube, you can hear her sing a Aramaic lullaby,to do so click here.

The website of the Festival is www.fesfestival.com

Editor's Note In answer to reader's enquiries, Ghada was born in Ghosta, Kesrouan, Mount Lebanon. Her university degrees show her official name as Ghada Gergy Chbeir. Some say the family origins go back to Zgharta.

One of Lebanon's national dishes, tabbouleh, was the dish of Beirut's recent Garden and Spring Festival's Food Competition, being used as a symbol to encapsulate Lebanon. One of the judges, Antoine Daher, Editor in Chief of Elle Orient, said that its ingredients represented the colours of the national flag, and, like its people, worked better as a whole, symbolizing the diversity of Lebanon yet being one entity.

The event reported in the, Daily Star can be read on the Full Story page.

We wonder how the Editor in Chief would describe Kibbeh Shaham in relation to Lebanon ! Ideas on a postcard please.
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The play of the book, Qu’elle aille au diable, Meryl Streep ! by Zgharta born author, Rachid Daif, is having its premiere by the Theatre du Rond-Point Paris, between Thursday, 19th June to Sunday, 29th June 2008.

To read more about the production and how to book, visit the theatre's website www.theatredurondpoint.fr

The Zgharta born author, Rachid Daif, will be be attending the, " Les 2èmes Assises Internationales du Roman : "Le roman, quelle invention !" (2nd International Forum of the Roman - The novel, what invention !") organised by Le Monde and La Villa Gillet, between Monday, 26th May to Saturday 1st June, at Lyon, France.

In the French newspaper, Le Monde they said that, This year, the International Forum on the Novel will take place over the course of a week. Each day will be organised around several different events: round tables on specific themes, interviews and readings. For each round table, the authors will each speak in their own language for about 10 minutes (the public will be provided with French translations of what will be said). These presentations will be followed by a debate with one foreign critic and one French critic. Then members of the public will be free to participate in the debate. Students who have studied the work of these writers will also be present on stage as privileged interlocutors, playing the role of ‘referees’. During the debate, the guests’ responses and comments will translated simultaneously.

On 29th May, Rachid will be one of four writers who will be talking on the theme, "The Crisis: A Novel of Manners" The press release for the discussion says, Often, the novel not only describes men but also the societies in which they live. When society enters into a crisis, it is individuals who are forced to question themselves, to reinvent themselves, to try to find other ways of understanding what is happening to them and what they are. They thus have to reconstruct themselves in a changing world. A personal crisis can also lead to a radical change in perspective in how one views the world and life in general. A crisis, whether it is political, social or personal, disrupts the usual reference points, prompting transformations, forcing change and obliging language to find new means of expression. For the novelist, the crisis can represent an opportune moment to get to grips with the complexity of the real because it reveals its contradictions and its tensions, exploding the boundaries of perception and understanding. It can represent a moment of truth which the novel seizes upon to analyse and describe society as it develops and breaks down."

For more information visit the event's website from here.