Despite France’s economic crisis, which has hit cultural institutions hardest, Jack Lang, President of the Arab World Institute in Paris and former French Minister of Culture, insists that “the Institute stands firm, and is more necessary than ever, because culture, knowledge, education, friendship and generosity are all weapons against violence, racism, and extremism.”
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Lang described the Institute as “a golden opportunity to showcase the Arab world’s diversity and richness, while opening the door to dialogue.”
Lang has long believed that the Arab World Institute gives France “a chance to play its role in the Arab sphere, which has always recognized and respected it.”
The former minister recently visited Lebanon to open the exhibition “Divas: From Oum Kalthoum to Dalida” at the Sursock Museum in Beirut and to coordinate preparations for a major upcoming exhibition on Byblos and its historical role, set to open at the Institute next spring.
The show was postponed earlier because of the Israeli war on Lebanon, which prevented the transfer of artifacts from the ancient city of Byblos.
“Byblos, Eternal City”
Lang said the large-scale exhibition, titled “Byblos, Eternal City,” is being prepared in collaboration with the Louvre Museum in Paris and “will shed light on still-mysterious aspects of the Phoenician port of Byblos, which played a pivotal role in the Mediterranean and maintained a unique relationship with the Pharaohs.”
The project involves the same curators who designed the Institute’s acclaimed exhibitions “Christians of the East: 2,000 Years of History” and “On the Roads of Samarkand: Wonders of Silk and Gold”.
“We will see magnificent and impressive pieces brought from Lebanon thanks to cooperation with the Directorate General of Antiquities,” Lang said, adding that further projects are being planned focusing on Sidon, Tyre, and Tripoli.
During his stay in Lebanon, Lang toured Byblos’ archaeological sites and met with local cultural figures as part of preparations for the exhibition, which will feature around 400 items, including treasures discovered in the royal necropolis and city temples dating back to the early second millennium BC, as well as newly unearthed artifacts to be displayed for the first time.
Architect of France’s Cultural Landmarks
Lang is known as the architect behind many of Paris’s major cultural landmarks built during President François Mitterrand’s era, including the Louvre’s glass pyramid, the National Library, and the Musée d’Orsay, during his nearly decade-long tenure as France’s Minister of Culture beginning in 1981.
Defender of the Arabic Language
A long-time advocate of teaching Arabic in French schools since his time as Minister of Education, Lang introduced Arabic language programs at the Arab World Institute after becoming its president.
For Lang, Arabic is “a key to understanding different civilizations” and “the fifth most spoken language in the world, a language of knowledge, poetry, and science that once brought learning to Europe.”
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said: “Yes, I have always defended the teaching of Arabic in French schools but I also defend the teaching of languages in general. Today, everything is commodified; everything is sold and bought. Many languages, including Arabic, French, German, and Italian, suffer the same fate. I stand for saving vulnerable national languages. Language is the most powerful, beautiful, and inspiring expression of humanity. If we lose it, we lose part of our humanity.”
Lang criticized what he called “the simplified, utilitarian form of English” now widespread: “It’s not the language of Shakespeare or any true writer; it’s a commercial language. Unfortunately, Arabic is not the only language harmed - in Germany, for instance, young people sometimes speak English better than German.” He described languages as “a priceless human heritage worth defending.”
“I Was Always Moved by Fairuz”
Lang rejected suggestions that the exhibitions organized by the Arab World Institute reflect his personal taste, such as Divas, which moved from Paris to Beirut and traces the lives of iconic Arab performers from Umm Kalthoum to Sabah, Fairuz, and Warda. “Exhibitions are collective efforts,” he said. “That’s true of Divas and others.”
Still, he admitted to having a special connection with many Arab divas: “I was always moved by Fairuz and was delighted to honor her in Paris. I was fortunate to attend an Umm Kalthoum concert in Cairo, thanks to director Youssef Chahine. I also knew Warda personally and was close to Dalida. But the exhibition is not about my personal relationships with these stars - it’s about highlighting exceptional women whose talent, magic, and creativity helped shape the Arab world’s cultural renaissance.”
Early Ties with Lebanon
Lang fondly recalls his early visits to Lebanon in 1958 and 1959, when he was a law student with a passion for theater.
He founded a small festival in his hometown of Nancy that later grew into an international event. During those years, he traveled to Lebanon and met Lebanese artists at the Rachana Festival organized by sculptor Michel Basbous.
The visit allowed him to meet the Rahbani Brothers and Fairuz, whose voice, he said, “enchanted” him. Years later, as Culture Minister, Lang decorated her with one of France’s highest honors.
