Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh: “Reading has become
more essential than ever in an age shaped by digital communications and artificial intelligence”
Haigazian University held its Book Day on Thursday, October 29, 2026, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, in a celebration of books, scholarly publishing, and the rich literary and intellectual heritage
of Lebanon and its Lebanese-Armenian community.
The event highlighted the University’s longstanding contribution to academic scholarship and cultural preservation, bringing together its publishing legacy, historical publications, rare books, and archival materials
that bear witness to the evolution of literary and intellectual life in Lebanon.
The official opening featured a welcoming address by Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University, followed by remarks by H.E. Dr. Ghassan Salameh, Minister of Culture. Their addresses underscored
the significance of books and publishing in preserving collective memory, advancing knowledge, and sustaining cultural heritage.
Haidostian reflected on the significance of books as vessels of memory, expressions of identity, and bridges connecting generations and cultures. Drawing on the symbolism of October as a season of
harvest in Lebanon and many other parts of the world, he noted that a university’s harvest is reflected in what it speaks, teaches, writes, researches, and publishes. He also highlighted October’s particular significance for Armenians, who, since the creation
of the Armenian alphabet in the fifth century, have celebrated their cultural heritage through writing, translation, and publishing.
Marking the University’s 71 years in this part of Beirut, known for its cultural, artistic, and educational institutions, Haidostian reaffirmed the centrality of the written word to the University’s
academic mission and cultural identity. He emphasized the importance of preserving linguistic and historical heritage, expressing hope that Book Day would mark another step in the University’s enduring commitment to the Word, the Book, knowledge, and cultural
heritage, one of Lebanon’s greatest strengths, deeply rooted in the history of its people and continuing to enrich its present and future.
In his address, Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh dismissed claims that the book is dying, stressing that reading has become more essential than ever in an age shaped by digital communications and
artificial intelligence.
Salameh highlighted three key purposes of reading: learning, enjoyment, and, increasingly, healing the mental distraction caused by the constant flow of digital content. He noted that mobile reading
is often fragmented and shaped by algorithms, encouraging rapid shifts between topics and platforms while exposing users to harmful content, including hate speech and vulgarity.
Citing studies linking these habits to declining attention spans among adults and children, Salameh emphasized the importance of sustained reading in cultivating focus, patience, and deeper understanding.
He concluded that reading is now vital not only for acquiring knowledge and enjoying literature, but also for countering distraction and helping younger generations regain their ability to concentrate.
The opening ceremony was followed by the inauguration of an exhibition at the Matossian Art Gallery, featuring publications issued by Haigazian University Press and volumes of the Haigazian Armenological Review.
The exhibition also showcased rare books, historical publications, early Lebanese-Armenian newspapers and periodicals, printing clichés, and other archival materials from the University’s collection, offering a glimpse into the history and development of Armenian
and Lebanese-Armenian publishing. A particularly prominent feature of the exhibition was a selection of Armenian manuscripts by Rev. Dr. Armenag Haigazian (1870–1919), the University’s namesake, an esteemed educator and scholar who became a victim of the Armenian
Genocide.
A highlight of the day was the unveiling of “The New Book (aged) 2025”, a sculpture by artist Hady Sy, consigned by Banque BEMO for a two-year display at
the University, as part of the “Virtual Pantheon” initiative, honoring the legacy of late MP. Dr. Antranig Manouguian. In his speech, CEO and General Manager of Banque BEMO, Dr. Riad B. Obeji highly valued the added value of the sculpture giving an
artistic dimension to the celebration and reflecting the enduring significance of the book as a medium of knowledge, creativity, and intellectual engagement. In his heartfelt words, the artist Hadi Sy expressed his gratitude and pride for his work being displayed
at Haigazian University.
The literary program continued at the Helen Barsumian Grimsley Fountain in the Mugar Garden with a reading by author Suha Naimy from
The Pitted Face: Memoirs of a Vagrant Soul, adapted from and inspired by the original work of Mikhail Naimy, one of the prominent figures of modern Arabic literature. The reading offered an opportunity
to revisit Naimy’s literary legacy through a contemporary interpretation of his work.
The day concluded with an Armenian-language roundtable discussion entitled “The Historical Journey and Printing Process of Lebanese-Armenian Books.” The discussion brought together author Baruyr Aghbashian, publishers
Vicken Hanessian and Hagop Havatian, and editor Garo Hovhannessian. Moderated by Dr. Antranig Dakessian, Director of the Armenian Diaspora Research Center at Haigazian University, the roundtable examined the historical trajectory of Lebanese-Armenian publishing,
the processes and practices of book production, and the role of publishers, editors, and authors in safeguarding and transmitting this distinctive literary heritage across generations.
Book Day 2026 also offered an occasion to reflect on the scope and continuity of Haigazian University’s scholarly publishing endeavors. Through Haigazian University Press, the University has published around 50
books in Armenian, English, and Arabic, addressing a broad range of subjects, including Armenian and Lebanese-Armenian history, identity, culture, religion, education, literature, and the social sciences. Established in 1970, the
Haigazian Armenological Review has published its 46th volume in 2026, thus serving as a longstanding scholarly platform dedicated to Armenian Studies and the advancement of Armenian studies.
Through this initiative, Haigazian University reaffirmed its commitment to scholarship, the preservation of historical memory, and the promotion of cultural dialogue. By bringing together scholarly publications,
historical collections, literary _expression_, and critical discussion, Book Day 2026 highlighted the enduring role of books in shaping intellectual life, sustaining cultural identity, and transmitting knowledge across generations within Lebanon’s multilingual
and multicultural society.