[Bilimsel Haber] INQ: Lebanese Migrants' Networking

[Sule Tarakcioglu]

Submitted for Guita Hourani <ghourani at ndu.edu.lb>

The Lebanese Emigration Research Center, Notre Dame University in
Lebanon requests assistance to identify experts and literature on the
subject of "Migrants' Networking Through Spatial Development and
Improvement." LERC is developing a proposal to study the impact of
migrants and returnees on the physical development of villages and towns
in Lebanon; mainly Ehden and Zgharta. The project will investigate,
housing investments, reasons for building or renovating property, type
of household, type of architecture, investments in public and religious
spheres, as well as the impact on community development, land use,
zoning, ICT services, etc. Based on preliminary observation, the
residential building stock particularly in Ehden has shifted from
regular houses or several story buildings to what can be described as
villas or mansions, with very good quality, modern structures of
masonry, cut stone, decorative entrances, etc. We have also observed
that migrants are renovating old family properties. Migrant Ehdenians
and Zghortiot have invested and continue to invest a large amount of
their transferred funds or remittances not only to build or rebuild
homes, but also to renovate or build churches, public buildings, roads,
cultural centers, monuments, etc. This network has impacted the growth
of the two towns and continues to play an important role in directing
the physical/spatial growth of the two towns.

LERC requests information on similar past, current, or future similar
projects; experts in these fields; and recommendations for relevant
literature.

Replies will be highly appreciated and acknowledged.
Thank you very much,
Guita Hourani
<ghourani at ndu.edu.lb>
The Lebanese Emigration Research Center
Notre Dame University, Lebanon