, July 31st, 2014

Press Release

Fransabank Finances the Restoration of Al Kobra Building in A Historical, Artistic, and Cultural Value

Under the patronage of Minister of Culture, Mr. Rony Areiji, initiated by MP Sleiman Frangieh, and in the presence of Fransabank’s Chairman HE Mr.Adnan Kassar and Deputy Chairman Mr. Adel Kassar, Al Kobra archaeological Building in Ehden was restored and inaugurated, on July 22nd, 2014, reflecting the cultural, poetic, and literary history of a beautiful spot in , highlighting its heritage, and portraying its culture.

Among the attendees of the inauguration ceremony were Vicar General Patriarchal of Ehden - Parish Bishop Joseph Mouawad, a number of philanthropists, and a distinguished guest list of ministers, former MPs, political, cultural, social, educational figures, along with the presence of media.

In his speech, Bishop Moawad highlighted that Al Kobra Building was given its name (meaning “large” in Arabic) “because when it was first built three centuries ago, it was one of Ehden’s largest edifices, which makes it today a real artistic, cultural and historical value.” He also pointed out that “the Commission Endowment of Ehden - Zgharta adopted the construction project,” thanking all those who contributed in it.

In his turn, HE Mr. Adnan Kassar said: "We meet today on an occasion which means a lot to me as well as to my brother Adel, where we embrace the inauguration of Al Kobra Archaeological Building, and by which we are honored in Fransabank to be contributing to its restoration and rehabilitation."

Kassar talked about “the long-time friendship that links the two families, Kassar and Franjieh.” He mentioned that “upon Fransabank’s opening of its branch in Zgharta few years ago, we received the invitation to contribute in Al Kobra’s restoration, and we spared no effort for doing so. We, in Fransabank, have always believed in our institutional role to serve the country and to contribute in its heritage revival; and Al Kobra definitely represents a great legacy in Zgharta’s memory as well as the national memory. “

Kassar added that “heritage preservation is a sacred duty, because heritage is the Past, the Present and the Future, and if someone loses or abandons his legacy, he has certainly lost his values and history.”

Concluding his speech, Kassar seized the opportunity “to extend an invitation to all the officials in Lebanon, to save the Lebanese heritage and work to protect what is left of its ancient archeological buildings in all Lebanon and in Beirut in particular, where part of Beirut people’s memory is being demolished in favor of cementitious towering buildings.”

A third speech was given by Minister Areiji in which he praised “the beauty of Lebanon’s major resort where Al Kobra building is located.” He elaborated: “The restoration project was implemented by the efforts of contributors who have a high national sense, and who do not hesitate to do good and support heritage preservation as well as cultural and social life. Today, we thank them all for paving the way to make us witness the restoration of a historical icon.” Areiji also highlighted “the need to prepare a modern workable system to manage the edifice with the participation of the Municipality of Zgharta - Ehden and civil society, so that this cultural spot would gather all the components of our society."

Following the speeches, officials cut the ribbon leading to the building, as the Lebanese Scouts Band played music in the background, and curtains were pushed aside to reveal the Marble which chronicled the inauguration.

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End of Press Release ______

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