A house built on books.

A tribute

Issam Rahouli — the journey of Dar El Chimal

From a small bookstore in Tripoli's Attarin market, where no seller could hold ground and whose capital did not exceed a few hundred Lebanese pounds, he built an institution for printing, publishing and distribution — its own publications alone numbering more than two thousand books.

From the outset, hard work was his habit, the book his obsession, mastery his goal. He started from a single zero and kept adding zeros to the right of large numbers — with effort, sweat and work. His dedication burned like the fire of his hookah, which did not go out from morning to evening.

Sales, customers, buying, the affairs of the publishing house, the authors and friends he received — he managed all of it wisely, like a machine that never missed a task. You could not always match his pace, but you could not help but love him: honest, upright, speaking and accepting the truth, never leaving you until you were satisfied.

Those who walked beside him knew his sincerity and diligence, his love of the written word — the book, the letter, the paper. In the lines of his face, innocence and pride; in his heart, kindness to family, compassion to his children, loyalty to his friends, and a refuge for anyone in need.

The legacy he leaves is vast, and his place is hard to fill. Our hope rests with his children, to continue the path he began — with effort, diligence and cooperation.