Maronites and Shiites in Lebanon

Antoine Salameh

"This book takes the reader on a journey through the history of Lebanon, from its sectarian origins in the Middle Ages to the present day, reviewing the trajectory of two of its oldest communities: the Maronites and the Shiites. It examines them as minorities formed in opposition to the authority of the majority in the region, revealing their structural intersections and fundamental differences, and shedding light on their relationship, which oscillates between cautious coexistence and violent conflict.

The book focuses on the formation of Maronite and Shiite communal identities (asabiyyat) as socio-political-military forces that, despite the transformations of the era, maintained their internal cohesion by relying on historical narratives, religious authorities, and security needs rooted in a constant sense of threat.

This work is an attempt to paint a realistic picture of the history of the relationship between Maronites and Shiites, serving as a key to understanding the Lebanese structure in its political, social, cultural, and even military pluralism.

Antoine Salameh is a writer, journalist, and publisher of 'Lebanon Tabloid.' He is a lecturer at several Lebanese universities in media and contemporary issues. He holds two degrees in Documentation and Journalism from the Lebanese University and a Master's degree in Sociology from Kaslik University. He has authored several prominent works, including "Tanios Chahine: From Confronting Feudalism to the Failure of Revolution" and "The Fire of the Sacred and the Forbidden: The Danish Caricature from Copenhagen to Achrafieh."

“Antoine Salameh donned the mantle of history and delved into its depths, not merely as a documentarian but as a historian, astonishing us with treasures we had presumed lost. He opened the door for us and, with smooth narration, led us into Lebanon's ancient past.” – Faisal Salman – Al-Safir Lebanese newspaper"