Lebanon: A Case of History Education in a Sectarian Society

This paper synthesizes the extant literature on history education in Lebanon. The sectarian nature of the country and the recent civil war make the case of Lebanon a unique and compelling one. Three emerging understandings underscore the complexity of history education in Lebanon. First, Lebanon has a tradition of parochial or confessional schools dating back to the hands-off approach of the Ottoman colonial powers. Second, the delay of a state-sanctioned national curriculum has paralyzed educators who have been left to piece together their own curriculum. Third, the political gridlock of the country continues to make history education a contentious topic.