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Let’s Talk About Beit Alia, An Artist’s Token Of Love For His Wife
Buckle up because you’re about to feel really single after reading this.
In the heart of Ain Zhalta is a charming Lebanese heritage home that holds a story that’s arguably more romantic than that of Romeo and Juliet. The beautiful house with blue shutters and red roof tiles charmed a young woman as a token of love for her from her doting husband.
Beit Alia: a token of love and a gateway to contemporary Lebanese art
The Lebanese heritage home stands as a symbol of love between artist Fadi Mogabgab and jewelry designer and artist Alia Mouzannar. One of Fadi’s many homes, the house brought them together over their love for art. He gifted it to Alia as an atelier where they express their artistic expressions, and he even named it after her: Beit Alia.
The atelier houses many paintings by both Fadi and Alia that are greatly inspired by modern art styles, Lebanese heritage, and the region’s breathtaking natural landscapes. It is also Lebanon’s first etching publishing house called “Zaarura Edition”.
For those who don’t know, the art of etching is a printmaking technique that involves engraving a plate with an artist’s design, applying ink to it, and then carefully wiping it clean. A paper is then pressed into the plate, and when it is peeled off, it leaves behind the beautiful design that was etched into the plate. The house stands as an artistic haven for Lebanese creatives.
Writer Sara Al Askar shared the love story on her account, accompanied by a video touring through Beit Alia and its remarkable artworks.
And after her visit and conversation with Fadi, he explained to her just how much Alia loved the day3a despite being a Beiruti at heart:
“I am lucky because my wife loves the day3a, not all Beiruti women love it and most of them don’t like nature. All they want to do is go shopping, go out, and they want to see the world. To my luck, my wife loves the Arz and fruits and vegetables that I plant, she loves the natural life in every sense of the word.”
Alia considered the home to be her own escape from the world, where she can indulge in her love for art and enjoy the beauty of Lebanon’s natural landscapes.
A hidden gem in Ain Zhalta
When you visit this Ain Zhalta gem, you’ll often find Alia creating art, far away from the bustling city. She might even be working on unique jewelry designs, as she is a sixth generation jeweler and an award-winning jewelry designer. You’ll also get the chance to meet Fadi, who will happily share with you his artistic visions – and of course, his love for his wife.
For more information, you can reach out to Fadi Mogabgab on info@fadimogabgab.com.
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