Baalbek, city of the sun. And the traces of the gods' footsteps across the darkness of remote ages rise again today — Baalbek was, and still is, a wellspring of inspiration for artists through the ages, who find in the shade of its mighty columns delight for eye, heart, and mind.

The first to think of putting the temples of Baalbek to use in the fields of the arts were three persons: the first, Jean Marchat of the Comédie-Française troupe; the rising painter Francis Saville; and the young Lebanese Tony Kazzi. The idea was presented to His Excellency the President of the Republic for execution on the occasion of the Tourism Year last year; His Excellency welcomed the matter and the idea became a reality — and that was the first artistic festival...

In recognition of the project's importance, the Chamber of Deputies voted a sum of money to

strengthen it — and the Commissariat of Tourism and Summering, headed by Mr. Michel Toma, deserves the greatest credit for the publicity given to this festival, unique of its kind.

The results were dazzling. And this very success was the first spur to think of repeating the venture. Those in charge of this artistic movement said: why not hold an artistic festival in Lebanon every summer, with the temples of Baalbek — and perhaps Beiteddine, Byblos, and others — as its stage?

A mixed committee of Lebanese was formed under the patronage of His Excellency President Chamoun, chaired by Madame Charles Kettaneh, who has given, and still gives, of her time, her energy, and her money for the success of the project.

The committee began its work by making contact with the governments of West Germany, France, and England, in order to contract, through them, with the