University of Balamand

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Balamand University

Balamand University is a private Lebanese university established in 1988 by Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim. The main campus is located in the Koura region, near the historic Balamand Monastery, which derives its name from the French term "Belmont," given to it by Cistercian monks of the XII century for their first monastery in the Levant.

The university's establishment was formalized through Decree No. 4885 dated June 4, 1988, which integrated several institutions into a single entity: the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (ALBA), the High Institute for Orthodox Theology, and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. Over time, Balamand University has expanded to include various colleges and faculties, including College of Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, College of Business Administration, Faculty of Public Health and its Sciences, and most recently, a Faculty of Medicine.

The Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (ALBA), established in 1937 as the first national institution for higher education, became a unit of Balamand University through Decree No. 4885 dated August 4, 1988. ALBA is recognized for its contributions to the field of fine arts and was considered a public benefit by Decree No. 2205 dated November 3, 1944.

Balamand University offers various specializations across its colleges, including College of Engineering with programs in Advertising and Publicity, Visual Arts (published through multimedia, comics, or information technologies), and Audio-Visual Film Direction. The university also houses the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch's Primate, John X of Antioch.

The institution has been recognized for its contributions to Lebanese society, with notable alumni including Reine Abbas, a Lebanese video game designer and artist, Elie Mitri, a Lebanese actor, writer, and stand-up comedian. Balamand University is also affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Christianity in Lebanon and maintains an official website at Cin.org.

History

Balamand Monastery was originally established by Cistercian monks of the XII century as their first monastery in the Levant. The name "Belmont" given to it by these monks has been adapted into Arabic as "Balamand," which is now used to refer to both the monastery and the university.

Notable Alumni

* Reine Abbas - Lebanese video game designer and artist
* Elie Mit