Beirut: As part of its participation in the 66th Beirut Arab International Book Fair, AUB Press hosted a compelling discussion titled "How Do We Return History to the Public?", featuring renowned public historian Charles Al Hayek in conversation with Dr. Bilal Orfali. The event was supported by the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Chair and organized in collaboration with the Center for Arts and Humanities at the American University of Beirut (AUB).
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Charles Al Hayek, a Lebanese historian and the founder of the Heritage and Roots platform, is also a researcher at AUB and the creator and host of the popular history program "Lebanon with a Story" broadcast on LBCI. The event drew a varied audience of established historians, university students, and history enthusiasts.
Dr. Bilal Orfali began the discussion by addressing the common perception of history as a "dry" subject in schools, often disconnected from the lived experiences it seeks to represent. Al Hayek expanded on this by noting that while Lebanon's history textbooks were last updated in the 1990s, these changes impacted content rather than the pedagogical approach, resulting in a non-critical engagement with history. He highlighted the overlooked value of oral histories, including stories, poems, and zajjal, as vital sources for understanding the past.
Al Hayek explained that "public history" aims to create accessible knowledge, helping people remember their origins and better understand the present. This approach not only informs the public about historical events but also encourages critical thinking and the posing of difficult questions.
The conversation shifted to the role of individual and collective memory in enriching historical narratives. Al Hayek emphasized the need to reintroduce an emotional dimension into history, arguing that while emotions are often exploited for political purposes, emotionless history can be alienating. A more humanized approach would highlight not just political milestones and conflicts but also the everyday lives of people during these events.
When discussing the relationship between general and specific historical narratives, Al Hayek noted the power of storytelling as a tool for bridging gaps. Narration can transform traditional archives into stories that resonate more broadly, although he cautioned that storytelling could be manipulated to support ideological agendas.
Dr. Orfali raised the issue of how digital platforms are reshaping the engagement of younger generations with history. While social media content increases accessibility and democratizes knowledge, Al Hayek warned that it also risks spreading misinformation, particularly when content creators lack historical research backgrounds. He suggested serialized content as a way to maintain depth while retaining audience interest.
The discussion concluded with a lively Q and A session, engaging the audience in a dynamic exchange of ideas.