My research pertains to the history of Greek Orthodox Christians in the Levant, more specifically in Syria and Lebanon. The topic I look at is the religious artform of iconography, which are found throughout the region in various churches and monasteries. To supplement my study of these icons, I plan to look at various documents kept by the church to help further my understanding of the cultural life of the Levant. The main archive centre where such documents could be found are present at Balamand University in Northern Lebanon, the university is attached to the Balamand Monastery, which is the main monastic residence of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, and thus the centre of religious and cultural life for Orthodox Christians in the Levant. Their collection is extensive, and includes liturgical books, canon law, hagiographies, and homilies, all of which can help me better understand the cultural frame of mind of the Greek Orthodox Christians which I study.
The biggest issue that would arise in me accessing these archives is the security situation in Lebanon and Syria. The wars currently occurring there would prove to be quite a roadblock and may not be good for my safety and wellbeing, even if they are winding down and things are getting better (hopefully I didn’t jinx it). That would be the biggest issue I foresee, because other than that I shouldn’t have too much difficulty accessing the archives, as I have many contacts in the Orthodox Church in the region, including the head of the Manuscript Preservation at Balamand.
Experiencing potential trauma is an issue every historian must deal with when accessing sources in the archives. Trauma and the Levant are two things that unfortunately go hand in hand, the issues of violence and suffering are as relevant today as they were in the past. Gloomily, I already have experience with trauma in the Levant, and I can easily sympathize with my ancestors whom I am studying in these archives, so my plan really is to deal with it the same way I already have, which might not be the smartest or healthiest thing but hey, its worked for me so far (hopefully I didn’t jinx it).
Befriending the archivist is something I greatly look forward to, we Lebanese are a blast to befriend (no bias). There is no Starbucks or Tim Hortons in the mountains of North Lebanon, so getting a coffee gift card is not in the cards. Thankfully, coffee culture (not the store) is a huge thing in Lebanon, it is absolutely customary to invite someone to have a coffee with, which is made at home, we are our own baristas.
All in all I greatly look forward to going to the archives, I cannot wait to begin my research there and expand my network of scholars and archivists in the region as I continue my career in academia.
