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Introduction
The
hermitage (Gibran's tomb) is an old cavern where many
hermits sought refuge since the 7th century.
By the end of the 17th century, the notables
of Bsharri offered the hermitage-its existing building
erected during the 16th
century-and the surrounding oak forest to the Carmelite
Fathers who were then living in the Qadisha valley
(the Saint valley) with the Monks of Saint Elisha
monastery.
The Carmelite
Fathers built the monastery in 1862 (as shown on the front
wall of the monastery). In 1908, while some of the Monks
moved towards Bsharri to build the Saint Joseph Monastery,
the others remained in the valley to take care of the
whole property, irrigating their crops from a nearby
source, better known today as "The Sanctuary of Our
Lady of Lourdes", located on the east side of the
monastery. |
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In
1926, while still in New York, Gibran expressed the
desire of purchasing from the Carmelite Fathers the
hermitage, the monastery and the adjoining forest in
order to make of the hermitage his tomb and of the
monastery his final resting place. |
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Unfortunately,
his dream never came true. On August 22, 1931
Gibran's body reached Bsharri. Mariana, his sister,
bought the monastery and the adjoining lands and
thus fulfilled a part of her brother's will: to make
of the hermitage his burial place.
Only in 1975,
after discovering Gibran's archives, were his
desires executed and the new monastery transformed
into a Museum. And so the Gibran National
Committee started to build Gibran's Museum, erecting
a new wing on its east side, and edifying a stairway
to link between its two floors. And then, Gibran's
paintings and masterpieces were exhibited and a
commemorative plaque was fixed (1975).
In order to promote other aspects of his
achievements, twenty years later, the Museum is
enlarged and equipped with the very best and
up-to-date material. On August 15, 1995 the Museum
reopened its doors to the public. |
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