From the Epic of Gilgamesh to the modern Lebanese flag, the Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) has served as an icon recognisable far beyond the Middle East. Described in the nineteenth century by prominent Western travellers like J L Burckhardt, and painted by, among others, Edward Lear, the cedars make a frequent appearance in the literature of so-called ‘Orientalist’ travellers, and despite their precarious status, remain a popular tourist attraction today. This lecture offers a brief historical review of the Cedars from a literary and artistic perspective, and suggests some reasons for their enduring appeal and destination for travellers.
About the speaker: Professor Paul Starkey is Emeritus Professor at Durham University and is currently Chair of ASTENE.