AnNahar Publishes 'Untaught History Edition' Revealing Lebanon’s Overlooked Past

It may seem strange, but Lebanese students have never been taught a unified history of the country’s period following independence. To change this, on the occasion of Independence Day, An-Nahar launched the 'Untaught History Edition,' a documented presentation of pivotal events in modern Lebanese history, chapters that never made it into school textbooks.

The daily issue, designed in collaboration with IMPACT BBDO, hit newsstands unlike any previous edition, its pages compiling the missing events, conflicts, turning points, and major transformations that generations of Lebanese students have never studied since 1943. For decades, Lebanon’s history remained a subject of controversy and political wrangling, leaving students without a complete picture of their country’s past.

In preparing this edition, An-Nahar drew on its 93-year-old, day-by-day archive and ensured that all events were verified and confirmed by the various political parties, a major feat in itself.

The launch of the issue was not limited to the newsroom, but extended to the public sphere: in the streets of Beirut and inside schools, copies were distributed and messages were sent emphasizing the need to protect history from being obscured, while social media platforms buzzed with calls to restore a national narrative that belongs to all Lebanese. An-Nahar also hosted roundtable discussions that brought together historians and journalists to discuss the facts, unify narratives, and formulate a comprehensive account.

Editor-in-chief Nayla Tueni, along with journalists from An-Nahar, presented the publication at official meetings with prime minister Nawaf Salam and a number of ministers involved in education and governance, in addition to members of parliament, mayors, and public figures. These meetings constituted an important political indicator: the prime minister welcomed the initiative and considered it to be of national importance, while ministers expressed their support for the publication of a unified history volume. A number of political and cultural leaders also received copies of the publication.

In parallel, An-Nahar took 'The Untaught History' to where the Lebanese need it most: schools. Teams from the newspaper visited educational centres in Beirut and engaged with students on the subjects of history and independence. For many children, this was the first time hearing their country’s full story.

Nayla Tueni, editor-in-chief, stated, “We have always said that Lebanon cannot move forward without confronting its past. Today, we are putting that past in print for all to see. If history books fail to teach our children, An-Nahar will do so.”

Continuing this campaign, An-Nahar also announced a follow-up project to preserve Lebanon’s historic volume on the Blockchain, ensuring that the truth remains beyond political influence and that every Lebanese child inherits a complete, unabridged past.

​Emile Tabanji, CEO, IMPACT BBDO Levant, said, “AnNahar has always stood at the forefront of defending truth, and today it is filling a gap that institutions failed to address. Bringing this edition to leaders, classrooms, and the public marks the beginning of a more informed future.”