This is in tribute to a hundred years of serious European scholarship in the field of Byzantine studies. It comes in Arabic to assure European scholars that the torch which they have carried for so long has already lit the way in Arab lands. The Jesuit University of Beirut, famous for its research, has not taken active interest in the field of Byzantine studies. Rev. Father René Mouterde, so famous for his research in the field of Greek epigraphy and archaeology is, however, preparing for the press a very valuable history of Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine up to the end of the Byzantine period. A scholar, a saint, and a gentleman, Father Mouterde has helped considerably to awaken interest in Greek studies in general. Three national universities, in Cairo, Damascus, and Beirut have already recognized the importance of Byzantine studies and have included such studies in their official programmes. The American University of Beirut gives one semester course in alternate years on the general history of the Byzantine Empire. Other universities in the Arab world will have to follow, and special chairs will have to be gendowed for the promotion of research in these fields of knowledge. A thorough understanding of Arab thought, art, and history requires an adequate appreciation of Greek and Byzantine contributions to human culture and an exact knowledge of historical events across a contiguous border for centuries of history.
