An-Nahar's 'Untaught History Edition' made it to Lebanon's classrooms.It may seem strange, but few Lebanese students have ever been taught a complete, unified history of the country’s period following independence. To mitigate this gap in knowledge and education, and to mark the occasion of Independence Day, An-Nahar a leading Arabic-language daily newspaper published in Lebanon, in partnership with IMPACT BBDO, launched the “Untaught History Edition.” This is a documented presentation of pivotal events in modern Lebanese history, chapters that never made it into school textbooks.
The daily issue hit newsstands unlike any previous edition, its pages compiling the missing events, conflicts, turning points and major transformations that generations of Lebanese students have not 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.
Nayla Tueni, Editor-in-Chief, An-Nahar, said, “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.”
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 emphasising 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.
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.
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.”
In parallel, An-Nahar took “The Untaught History” to where the Lebanese need it most: schools. Teams from the newspaper visited educational centers 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.
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.
CREDITS:
Brand – AnNahar newspaper
Nayla Tueni – CEO and Editor-in-Chief, AnNahar Media Group
Lucien Chehwan – Journalist
Diana Skaini – Journalist
Agency – IMPACT BBDO Beirut and Dubai
Dani Richa — CEO and Chairman
Emile Tabanji – CEO Levant
Ali Rez — Regional Chief Creative Officer
Joe Abou-Khaled — Regional Executive Creative Director
Anthony Asmar – Creative Director
Maya Nasr – Senior Art Director
Tarek Bacha – Head of Copy
Kristen Karam – Art Director
Saly Timani – Copywriter
Tally Massouh – Head of Production
Ramy Tannous – Head of Multimedia
Joya Eid – Motion Designer
Amanda Zeitouni – Head of Social
