DUBAI: People from around the world expressed sadness as Paris’ iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral burned on Monday. Here, we celebrate the city by exploring its Arab-related historical sites.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
In 1822, Jean-François Champollion deciphered the Rosetta Stone — which was found by Napoleon’s troops in Egypt — and kickstarted the scholarly discipline of Egyptology. The first curator of the Louvre’s Egyptian antiquities department, Champollion is buried here.
Luxor Obelisk
A 23-meter high Ancient Egyptian obelisk stands at the center of the Place de la Concorde. It was originally located at the entrance to the Luxor Temple in Egypt.
St. Julien le Pauvre
A Melkite church, this small place of worship can trace its roots to Christian Arabs who were among the refugees who followed Napoleon back to France after his defeat in Egypt.
St. Ephrem’s Chapel
Located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, its foundations date back to the 14th century. The Syrian Catholic church hosts Aramaic and Arabic services.
Great Mosque of Paris
Tucked away behind the Jardin des Plantes, the mosque opened its doors in 1926.
Olympia
From Umm Kulthum in 1967, to Fairuz in 1979 and the likes of Elissa and Mashrou’ Leila in more recent years, this concert venue has become famous for its Arab performances.
