Our heritage is an important part of our identity…
It is a great privilege to have this opportunity to write an editorial for the WLCU Online newsletter. All of the team at CedarWorld magazine would like to thank The Lebanese Heritage for this opportunity and the generous support of the WLCU–British Columbia Council. We have the greatest appreciation for the work which the WLCU does to promote our Lebanese heritage.
I have always been interested in the history and culture of Lebanon, the land where my parents were born. I am a member of the Lebanese-Australian community, and a children’s author. My first book Milad: The Voyage to Ophir, is set in the world of the ancient Phoenicians. I was very pleased to have a chance to write about a Phoenician boy who is the hero of an adventure story, and show a positive image of Lebanese history. In this story I wanted to show the many important contributions which the Phoenicians made to world civilization.
It was also my goal to celebrate the achievements of people of Lebanese heritage all around the world, when I started my magazine, CedarWorld. Through this magazine I hope to show the contributions they have made in all areas of life in their communities, and how they enriched the culture of the lands where they have settled. We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to share the stories of many distinguished people, including scientists, artists, writers and musicians, and many more – from many lands, all linked by their Lebanese heritage. I hope that CedarWorld will be entertaining to read, as well as informative.
Our first issue featured the story of the Phoenicia Expedition, with a picture of this ship on the cover. I thought that this was a good symbol of how the Lebanese have travelled to so many different parts of the world, and the influence they have had as explorers, creators, and inventors. In our latest issue, we feature an article about Dr Charles Elachi, mission director at NASA, who describes the explorers of space as the modern-day Phoenicians. This legacy of discovery and innovation is something we should be proud to celebrate within our own community, and present to the wider world to show a true image of our Lebanese heritage.
Our magazine aims to include stories from all communities of Lebanese origin across the world, finding the aspects that unite them. The history and culture that we share are more powerful than any elements that could divide us. For people of Lebanese descent living in other countries, our heritage is an important part of our identity. It links us to our past, and joins us with the members of our family both near and in faraway lands.
From the work of Khalil Gibran to the latest novel by new author Sarah Ayoub; from the vast Lebanese community of Brazil to the small, yet fascinating, Lebanese community in Ireland; from the ancient past of the Phoenicians to exploring the furthest reaches of space; all of these are a part of CedarWorld. The magazine can accessed by this link:
http://www.joomag.com/en/magInfo/0631707001379300913
– Nazam Anhar
(Editor Cedar World. )
Nazam Anhar received a BA from Sydney University, majoring in Philosophy and Archaeology. He currently works as a freelance copywriter. Milad: The Voyage to Ophiris his first book.
Nazam Anhar has always been interested in the ancient world, especially in the history of the Phoenicians, as they came from the land of Lebanon, the country of his ancestors. He was able to pursue this interest when he studied archaeology at the University of Sydney. He also has an interest in the history of seafaring and exploration, and was able to combine these things in writing the story of Milad: The Voyage to Ophir.
Books by Nazam Anhar published by Scholastic include: |
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