Lebanon’s Kahlil Gibran: The voice that united the East and the West

Almost a century after the publication of ‘The Prophet,’ Kahlil Gibran’s popularity continues to soar from generation to generation. (Getty Images) 
Short Url
Updated 27 October 2022
Follow

Lebanon’s Kahlil Gibran: The voice that united the East and the West

  • For this week’s edition of our series on Arab icons, we profile the late Lebanese American artist Kahlil Gibran
  • The writer of ‘The Prophet’ continues to strike a chord with audiences across the world more than 90 years after his death

DUBAI: As a writer and painter who was equally accomplished in both disciplines, Kahlil Gibran is undoubtedly one of Middle East’s greatest cultural exports. The Lebanese-American artist, author and philosopher is best known for his 1923 book of prose poetry “The Prophet,” a book of 26 prose poetry fables written in English.

And while his work in English proved popular among the masses, the critical response, at the time, was less forgiving, perhaps because many of those critics didn’t yet have the tools to fairly judge a writer with strong Eastern influences.

Almost a century after the publication of “The Prophet,” however, Gibran’s popularity continues to soar from generation to generation.

“Gibran was the voice of the East that finally made it to the West and found that the West was hungry for spirituality,” Glen Kalem-Habib, a Lebanese-Australian filmmaker and research historian, and founder of the Kahlil Gibran Collective, tells Arab News. “Just take a look at the time period that he was around. There were a lot of great thinkers, poets, writers and artists and they all congregated in New York. So it was a great melting pot and Gibran had his finger on the on the pulse. He knew something great was coming; there was this industrialized nation that was being born and all this new technology coming out, there were such great innovations and thinking. So I think Gibran was kind of saying, ‘All these great technologies are going to help people. I’m going to write a book that helps people as well.’ And he did this by using his voice from the East that was Arabic in thought and process, because he was part of this incredible history of an area that dates back aeons. He was aware of that and he was in tune with that, whether it was the ‘Epic of Gilgamesh’ right through to the Bible and the Qur’an. It all happened in his backyard.”

Gibran was born in 1883 in the village of Bsharri near Mount Lebanon to Khalil Sa’ad Gibran and Kamila Rahmeh, both Maronite Christians. While his mother encouraged his sensitive and artistic nature (she famously gifted him a book featuring artwork by Michelangelo, which spurred in him a lifelong love for the artist and art in general), his father was a more sporadic presence.

After years of poverty and uncertainty, Kamila packed up her four children and moved to Boston to live with her relatives, leaving Gibran’s father behind in Lebanon. Kamila and the kids settled in Boston’s South End, at the time the second-largest Syrian-Lebanese-American community in the US.

Gibran, almost a teenager at the time, went to the Josiah Quincy School, where teachers soon noticed his artistic ability and he was soon also enrolled into the nearby art school, Denison House, where he was introduced to the avant-garde Boston artist F. Holland Day.

Gibran flourished. He quickly absorbed the works of Shakespeare, William Blake, W.B. Yeats and T.S. Eliot. “He was looking to make his mark. He was someone who lived a very sheltered life. Bsharri was so far removed, even from Beirut. So imagine, you know, 100-plus years ago, there wasn’t much (there) you could read, right? I’m pretty sure that it was very limited. So, one of the early impactful books he read was ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’ by Nietzsche. He was also inspired by Wagner’s music. His first published book was a treatise on Arabic music inspired by Wagner,” says Kalem-Habib.

Gibran was also heavily influenced by Arab literature and art, including “One Thousand and One Nights” and the ancient epic “Layla and Majnun.”

“He was sort of fusing all of these influences into (something) no one ever did before. And he really, really nailed it,” Kalem-Habib says.




A still from the 2014 animated movie 'Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet.' (GKIDS)

Gibran continues to find new audiences. In 2014, Mexican actress Salma Hayek — whose father is of Lebanese descent — produced an animated film adapting Gibran’s work, titled “Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet.”

While Hayek’s first exposure to Gibran was through her late Lebanese grandfather, she rediscovered the book years later as a college student, an experience that she told Entertainment Weekly “was very meaningful to me, because I felt like my grandfather was teaching me about life even though he was gone.”

Discussing the film, Hayek said, “I think it’s important that people remember there’s an Arab-American writer that wrote a book that has touched so many people. It’s sold more than 120 million copies around the world and it has influenced the lives of people of all religions and creeds, ages, colors, and backgrounds. And I think that’s relevant today. I also think it’s important that we are exposed to material that reminds us of the beauty of our humanity.”

A less high-profile but equally important adaptation came in the form of the stage musical “Broken Wings,” adapted from Gibran’s 1912 autobiographical novel.

Written by Lebanese-English West End star Nadim Naaman and Qatari composer Dana Al-Fardan, the musical is a love letter to Gibran and the Middle East. 

“Dana and I were introduced by mutual friends back in 2016. She was in London for a concert of her own and I was performing in ‘The Phantom of The Opera’ at the time. We discovered that we both wanted to write a musical of Middle Eastern heritage which would shine a positive light on the region. Kahlil Gibran immediately stood out as an iconic Middle Eastern figure who has transcended borders and is revered in the Middle East, Europe and America,” Naaman explains. “He became a perfect focus for us: to pay tribute to him and Lebanon and also to introduce him to a wider audience and celebrate his contribution to the literary world.

“Gibran has always resonated strongly with me. His books were scattered throughout my family home as a child, his words recited at weddings, at funerals and graduations. Furthermore, as a man of Lebanese heritage who has spent his life in the West, I relate strongly to the fact that Gibran, and many other Lebanese, have spent more of their lives outside of the country than in it. As an actor, musician and writer trying to represent Lebanon internationally, there is no better role model than Gibran,” he adds.

Since it was first published, “The Prophet” has never been out of print. It has been translated into more than 100 languages, making it among the top 10 most translated books in history. Its popularity soared in the 1960s, when American counterculture was on the rise, and later among the New Age movements. 

To celebrate the book’s centenary next year, Kalem-Habib’s collective is organizing several events across the US and possibly Middle East and will unveil a new monument in New York, a city where Gibran spent a considerable amount of time and where he took his last breath in 1931, aged 48.

“Gibran was so ahead of his time. He represents many philosophical and moral ideas that the world continues to strive towards in 2022,” says Naaman. “Here was a Middle Eastern immigrant who found a new home in the West, and was writing one century ago about gender equality and women’s rights, about harmony and tolerance between religions and nationalities, about the corruption of politicians and mistreatment of the working classes, about the ability to build a new home and find belonging if one has to leave one’s own birthplace. Essentially, these all remain mainstream narratives in the global media.”


Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

Updated 25 May 2025
Follow

Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

DUBAI: Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi made a triumphant return to the global stage, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or for his latest film “It Was Just an Accident” at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival.

Panahi, long a symbol of artistic defiance in Iran, had previously faced imprisonment and a 20-year ban on filmmaking and international travel. His emotional appearance at the festival, where he received the award from jury president Juliette Binoche — a vocal supporter of his work — marked a significant moment for both the director and Cannes.

 

 

The political thriller centers on a former prisoner who kidnaps the man he believes tortured him and grapples with fellow dissidents over whether to exact revenge or offer forgiveness.

The ceremony also recognized other global talents. Chinese director Bi Gan received a special jury prize for “Resurrection,” while Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi made history as the first from his country to win the Camera d’Or for debut feature “The President’s Cake.”

 

 

Brazil’s Wagner Moura took home best actor honors for “The Secret Agent,” a 1970s-set political drama by Kleber Mendonça Filho, who also won best director.

German director Mascha Schilinski and Spain’s Oliver Laxe shared the Jury Prize for their respective films “Sound of Falling” and “Sirat.” The former is a sweeping multigenerational family saga, while the latter explores an apocalyptic vision of the Moroccan desert through techno-infused storytelling.

Actor John C. Reilly surprised audiences with a rendition of “La Vie en Rose” before presenting best screenplay to Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne for “Young Mothers,” the Belgian brothers' latest social drama.


Maison Safqa’s private-sale model brings insider access, curated drops to Saudi Arabia’s luxury e-commerce scene

Updated 25 May 2025
Follow

Maison Safqa’s private-sale model brings insider access, curated drops to Saudi Arabia’s luxury e-commerce scene

DUBAI: The e-commerce space in Saudi is thriving — every so often, the market sees a new entrant, whether in fashion, beauty or lifestyle.

Its newest player is Maison Safqa, a private-sale platform offering premium-to-luxury brands at special prices — but only for a limited time. Co-founded by Lea Mehweg, who serves as CEO, her sister Georgia, and former colleague Estelle Nasr, the concept draws inspiration from France, where private sales have long offered brands a discreet way to offload past-season inventory without diluting their image.

“It’s a private-sale platform where we offer premium to luxury brands at discounted prices,” said Mehweg. “The whole concept is to support the brand, take their collections — even from previous seasons — and put them in a very elevated and premium shopping environment.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maison Safqa (@maisonsafqa)

Maison Safqa’s approach differs from traditional outlet platforms. Rather than overwhelming users with thousands of items, the site hosts limited-time “drops” that spotlight specific categories or designers — from accessories and ready-to-wear, to upcoming plans in homeware, beauty, and lifestyle services like staycations and wellness. “It’s not like a year-round outlet with hundreds of items spread across endless pages where you eventually get lost,” Mehweg said. “On Maison Safqa, we drop new brands every week — or even every few days — and each one stays on the platform for a limited time.”

Access to these exclusive drops is available to registered members only, reinforcing the platform’s sense of community and curated exclusivity. While membership is currently free, a premium tier with added benefits, such as early access and free shipping, is in the works.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maison Safqa (@maisonsafqa)

Saudi Arabia was a natural choice for the full launch of the new platform. “The fashion and luxury industry is booming here. More brands are entering the market, which naturally leads to excess stock, and that’s where we come in. We want to be the first to offer a structured private-sale platform that supports brands while delivering real value to customers,” Mehweg said. Unlike the saturated off-price market in Dubai, Mehweg sees untapped potential in Saudi Arabia, especially in the premium and luxury segment.

Having grown up in France, Mehweg recalls rarely buying items at full price, knowing they would soon appear on curated private-sale platforms. That same smart, style-savvy mindset is what Maison Safqa aims to tap into.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maison Safqa (@maisonsafqa)

Another key USP is local relevance. It is rare to see regional designers featured on off-price platforms, but Maison Safqa is committed to championing homegrown talent. Alongside global names like Coach and Victoria Beckham, the platform also features Saudi and regional designers. “Most off-price players are based outside the GCC and rarely include local talent,” said Mehweg. “For us, cultural resonance matters.”

Though first tested in Dubai, Maison Safqa is now fully operational in Saudi Arabia, with plans to expand across the GCC in the coming months. As the platform grows, its goal is clear: To redefine the off-price experience in the region by blending premium access, local relevance and a curated lens for the modern Middle Eastern shopper.
 


Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour

Updated 24 May 2025
Follow

Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour

  • Iconic band make major stop on Middle East leg of schedule 

RIYADH: Iconic American rock band Guns N’ Roses performed in Riyadh on Friday as part of their 2025 global tour, marking a major stop on the band’s Middle East schedule.

The group, which was formed in Los Angeles in 1985, took the stage to a packed crowd, kicking off the night with “Welcome to the Jungle.”

The concert was organized by MDLBEAST. (Supplied)

The high-energy set featured classic hits including “November Rain,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” with fans singing along throughout. 

The concert was organized by MDLBEAST and, ahead of the event, Rayan Al-Rasheed, its director of operations and artist booking, highlighted the significance of hosting such acts in the Kingdom.

The high-energy set featured classic hits including “November Rain,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” with fans singing along throughout. (Supplied)

He said: “Saudi Arabia has become a key destination for global music acts. By hosting legendary artists like Guns N’ Roses we aim to elevate the Kingdom’s presence in the global music scene.”

The introduction of rock music to the Saudi musical landscape acknowledged a genre that had long had a strong presence in the country, he said, adding: “The popularity of bands like Metallica and Linkin Park shows that rock has deep roots here.”


Kim Kardashian robbers found guilty in Paris

Updated 25 May 2025
Follow

Kim Kardashian robbers found guilty in Paris

  • Algerian-born Aomar Aït Khedache, 69, the ringleader, got the stiffest sentence, eight years imprisonment but five of those were suspended

PARIS: A Paris court this week found the ringleader and seven other people guilty in the 2016 armed robbery of Kim Kardashian, but did not impose any additional time behind bars for their roles in what the US celebrity described as “the most terrifying experience of my life."

The chief judge, David De Pas, said that the defendants' ages — six are in their 60s and 70s — and their health issues weighed on the court’s decision to impose sentences that he said “aren’t very severe.”

He said that the nine years between the robbery and the trial — long even by the standards of France’s famously deliberate legal system — were also taken into account in not imposing harsher sentences. The court acquitted two of the 10 defendants.

Algerian-born Aomar Aït Khedache, 69, the ringleader, got the stiffest sentence, eight years imprisonment but five of those were suspended.

Three others got seven years, five of them suspended. Three more got prison sentences ranging from five to three years, mostly or completely suspended, and an eighth person was found guilty on a weapons charge and fined.

With time already served in pretrial detention, none of those found guilty will go to prison and all walked out free. The trial was heard by a three-judge panel and six jurors.

Still, the chief judge said that Kardashian had been traumatized by the Oct. 2, 2016, jewel heist in her hotel during Fashion Week.

“You caused harm,” the judge said. “You caused fear.”

Kardashian, who wasn't present for the verdict, said in a statement issued afterward that she was “deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice in this case.”

“The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family. While I’ll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all. I remain committed to advocating for justice, and promoting a fair legal system," said the celebrity who is working to become a lawyer.


Cara Delevingne wears Saudi label Ashi Studio

Updated 24 May 2025
Follow

Cara Delevingne wears Saudi label Ashi Studio

DUBAI: British actress and model Cara Delevingne wore a black gown by Saudi label Ashi Studio to the premiere of “La Venue de L’avenir” (“Colours of Time”) at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.

The strapless gown featured a sleek, satin-like finish with a sculpted bodice that flowed into a straight, floor-length skirt, subtly draped at the hips. She paired the look with sheer black opera gloves for added drama.

Delevingne, her hair styled in soft waves, completed the ensemble with an emerald and diamond necklace and a matching ring from Hassanzadeh Jewellery.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

Delevingne’s gown was originally presented during Paris Haute Couture Week as part of the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 couture collection. The version shown on the runway was in blue.

Delevingne was not the only star dressed in designs by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi, founder of Ashi Studio.

Hong Kong-Taiwanese actress and model Shu Qi also championed the designer at the premiere of “Resurrection,” wearing a deep burgundy velvet gown from his Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

The strapless dress featured a sleek, form-fitting silhouette. Its standout element was the train at the back, adorned with intricate gold-thread embroidery depicting trees, birds, houses, rivers and other landscape details.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

Ashi and his atelier have been based in Paris since 2018. In 2023, he became the first designer from the Gulf region to be invited as a guest member of the Federation de la Haute Couture in Paris, which allowed him to present on the official couture calendar.

In 2024, Ashi was commissioned to design the official cabin crew uniforms for Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline.

His designs have also been worn by a number of international public figures and performers, including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penelope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Queen Rania of Jordan.

He most recently dressed US actress Ali Ahn, star of Netflix’s “The Diplomat,” in a cream sculptural ensemble for the Screen Actors Guild Awards held in Los Angeles in February.

That same month, “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo also wore one of his creations to the 2025 Grammy Awards. Her look was from Ashi Studio’s Fall/Winter 2024-25 collection, titled “Sculpted Clouds.”