Between Fact and Fiction: Competing Historical Narratives and Social Media Instrumentalization in Contemporary Lebanon

As with many recently established states situated on territories with ancient histories, Lebanon confronts competing national and traditional narratives, each attempting to establish authoritative temporal origins for the nation. A significant portion of circulating historical discourse, however, operates within the realm of fictional or mythologized history rather than rational historiography. This mythologization of the past serves specific political functions, particularly for sectarian parties and geographic constituencies, fostering perspectives that emphasize division over diversity.

This lecture contextualizes seven conflicting perspectives on Lebanese history and examines their instrumentalization through social media platforms. The analysis explores how digital spaces have become sites for the propagation of these competing historical narratives and considers the implications for collective memory and national identity. The study further addresses how public history methodologies might offer remedial approaches to this challenge, promoting factually-grounded and nuanced historical narratives that enhance public historical understanding. By examining the intersection of historical discourse, digital media, and sectarian politics, this talk contributes to broader discussions about the role of historical knowledge in divided societies and the potential of public history to mediate between academic historiography and popular historical consciousness.

About the speaker

Charles al-Hayek is a public historian and researcher dedicated to making history accessible, engaging, and relevant to contemporary society. In 2020, he founded Heritage and Roots, one of the first public history platforms in the region, with the mission of reconnecting individuals with their past on a personal and collective level. The platform seeks, with daily posts, to democratize historical knowledge by taking history out of archives and institutions and embedding it into everyday life. His expertise lies in the conceptualization and implementation of educational and cultural projects centered on public engagement. He currently serves as Head of Archives at the College Saint Joseph Antoura, a Researcher at the American University of Beirut, and is the creator and presenter of Lubnan Bi Ossa (Lebanon in a Stroy) , a cultural history program aired on LBCI.

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