São Paulo – The Consulate General of Lebanon in Rio de Janeiro has a new culture space. The new section was inaugurated on August 1st at the consulate’s premises, and will offer Arabic lessons, exhibitions, seminars and support to Brazilian students and researchers seeking information about the Arab country.
According to the consul general of Lebanon in Rio de Janeiro, Ziad Itani, The Lebanese Culture Centre caters to two distinct needs: the first one is to retrieve the history of Lebanese immigrants in Rio. The second is offering a space in which for the Arabic language to be taught.
“Immigrants in Rio and even more so their children are losing touch with their roots, and we want to help them to reconnect. We want to offer an opportunity for Lebanese descendants and Brazilians to learn Arabic. Lots of people are interested in learning Arabic,” said Itani. The Arabic course offered by the consulate is divided into eight different levels. Each level lasts approximately two months. Upon completion, students get a certificate issued by the Consulate General of Lebanon in Rio de Janeiro.
In addition to Arabic classes, the Lebanese Culture Space will host exhibitions and performances. The facility will also offer support to university students and researchers looking to learn more about Lebanese culture. The space will provide information on certificate equivalence and specialization programmes in the Arab country, and put interested parties in touch with Lebanese universities. The culture centre also boasts a library with books about Lebanon written in Arabic, Portuguese, French and English.
Community in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro was the final destination of many a Lebanese immigrant between 1880 and the early 20th century. They came to the country after the Brazilian emperor D. Pedro II paid a visit to Lebanon, Syria and Palestine in November 1876. On that occasion, he told local authorities that the doors to his country were open to Lebanese citizens. Several immigrants stayed in Rio de Janeiro, then the capital of Brazil, because their ships docked at the local port.
Other immigrants to Brazil settled in São Paulo and in South Brazil. Part of the Arabs who arrived in Rio stayed. Itani noted, however, that a large community of Lebanese descendants lives in the cities of Campos dos Goytacazes, Teresópolis, Petrópolis and Nova Friburgo, all in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The history of these immigrants, however, risks getting lost.
“Unlike São Paulo or Foz do Iguaçu, cities with large numbers of Lebanese descendents, many of whom are third-generation youths, many here in Rio are from the first generation who came to Brazil,” the consul general said.
Itani said that ever since he took charge of the consulate in Rio de Janeiro, he has been working to establish the culture space, at the local community’s request. He also said other culture centres should open, one of them in Campos dos Goytacazes and another in Teresópolis. “In Campos people are interested in learning Arabic. We are looking for teachers in the area,” he said.
Service
Lebanese Culture Space
Working hours: Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Dona Mariana Street, 39
Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Telephone: +55 (21) 2539-2125
Scheduled visits only. To schedule a visit, send an email to cultura@consuladogeraldolibanorj.com.br
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
