A vibrant tribute to the rich history of the Financial District’s early Arab-American community has taken root at Elizabeth H. Berger Plaza. “Al Qalam: Poets in the Park,” a permanent installation by French-Moroccan artist Sara Ouhaddou, now stands as a colorful monument honoring the once-thriving enclave known as ‘Little Syria.’
This neighborhood, which flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was home to thousands of Syrian and Lebanese immigrants who brought with them a rich cultural and literary tradition. Over time, much of the physical neighborhood was lost to urban development, including the construction of the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. Ouhaddou’s work aims to reclaim and celebrate that legacy through an abstract alphabet and mosaic design that evokes the art of calligraphy and storytelling.
Situated within the Financial District’s bustling urban fabric, the artwork offers passersby a moment of reflection on the city’s layered immigrant past. The mosaics incorporate Arabic script motifs interlaced with contemporary patterns, symbolizing both the historical roots and ongoing cultural contributions of Arab New Yorkers. Elizabeth H. Berger Plaza, a public space named after a prominent local advocate, provides an accessible venue where the art and history converge.
The installation is more than a visual landmark; it is a cultural statement that acknowledges the importance of preserving immigrant narratives amid the relentless pace of development in Lower Manhattan. As the Financial District continues to evolve into a global business hub, “Al Qalam” serves as a reminder of the diverse communities that shaped this part of the city long before skyscrapers dominated the skyline.
City officials and community members gathered for the unveiling, emphasizing the need to recognize and honor the stories often left out of mainstream historical accounts. For New Yorkers and visitors alike, this monument enriches the dialogue about identity, memory, and the enduring impact of immigrant communities on the city’s character.