New Lebanese Novel Explores Journey of October Uprising

New Lebanese Novel Explores Journey of October Uprising
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New Lebanese Novel Explores Journey of October Uprising

New Lebanese Novel Explores Journey of October Uprising

The Arab Scientific Publishers released "The Journey of Change," a new 144-page book by the Lebanese writer Ghassan Chebaro who wrote about the start and path of the October Uprising in Lebanon.

The novel explores the daily events lived by Hamza and Julia, the two main characters of the novel, along with their rebel peers and civil society organizations who raised their voices shouting "The people want to bring down the regime," "Bank System Down," "Revolution…Revolution," and many more slogans.

Through the characters of this novel, the reader learns about decades of turmoil that hit the Lebanese people in their country.

"Crushing Lebanese citizens has become an approach adopted by a corrupt regime that has constantly sought to push people towards poverty and submission to a painful choice between their dignity and bread."

This dark deteriorating state could persist for another 30 years, according to the novel and its tragic end.

"The novel explores the most dangerous and critical phase in the history of the country. It is urging the youth, a key player in the change process, not to calm down or lose hope, and to continue the journey of struggle for a better future and in honor of the souls of the uprising victims. As part of the "change journey," Chebaro says, as he sheds light on many issues and opens them for discussion with the reader, including the blind loyalty to the political leader instead of the nation.

"The revolution lifted the lid on a divided, depressed community dominated by helpless vibrant speeches falsely promising a secure and just state for all citizens," the publisher noted.

Therefore, we see the writer suggesting the annulment of some laws customized to serve each sect, so the citizen can have all his rights back.

According to Chebaro, the best solution for the Lebanese dilemma is establishing a civil state.

"By closing the sources of waste and corruption, this civil state will be able to provide decent medical and education systems, in addition to social security for the elderly. It will also be able to award competent citizens and create job opportunities for those who deserve them," he explained.

The Lebanese writer has many other novels including The Planet of Rats, The Seagull, and The Bee and the Beast.



Saudi Culture Ministry Hosts Yemeni Orchestra in Riyadh

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Culture Ministry Hosts Yemeni Orchestra in Riyadh

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Ministry of Culture is set to host on Sunday the Yemeni Orchestra at the King Fahad Cultural Centre in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Yemeni Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

The event will feature Yemeni musicians performing a wide array of music and songs showcasing Yemen’s cultural heritage, including traditional genres from Aden, Sanaa, and Hadramout. Saudi musicians will participate, performing collaborative pieces that celebrate the shared musical heritage between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

As part of the festivities, the Saudi Music Commission, one of 11 sector specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, will host interactive exhibits allowing visitors to explore traditional Saudi music instruments and view archival audio-visual recordings from Saudi Arabia’s musical heritage. Additionally, the Saudi Trouq Meets the World initiative will feature musical performances blending traditional instruments from Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

The ALIPH Foundation, in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, will present a photo exhibition documenting their work in preserving Yemen’s cultural and historical heritage sites, in collaboration with various Yemeni institutions and international organizations.

The upcoming event reflects the Ministry’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and collaboration. It is also a testament to the strong ties between the Kingdom and Yemen, while supporting cultural preservation and furthering the fraternal ties between the two nations.