Lebanon Through the Eyes of the People

Fakhr EdDine II and Bashir II came from two religiously diverse families.  Although both ruled Lebanon for a period of time, Fakhr EdDine II was more successful and favored by the people.  Bashir II was an ambitious and wise ruler, but didn’t care for his people (10).  This caused many revolts and uprisings towards Bashir II.  Bashir II resembled the ruler that Niccolo Machiavelli described in his book “The Prince”.  Machiavelli disputed whether a ruler should be feared more than loved.  He then came to a conclusion that a feared ruler is more successful and does more damage than a loved one, but must also maintain mutual respect with his people.   Bashir II was a feared ruler but didn’t maintain a good reputation with the people.  This led to the people revolting against him and created chaos throughout the country. He didn’t strike fear in his country’s eyes instantly when he became the leader.  The colonial experience of Lebanon cannot exclude the harsh conditions the people faced and the influential imprint the Ottoman Empire left.

            Under the rule of Bashir II, the people were treated unfairly and their rights were limited.  He forced people to join the army and farmers to work without receiving pay (11).  If anyone refused or disobeyed his orders, he would hang them without hesitation.  He hired spies to break into houses that raised any suspicion or were a threat to his rule (12). By doing so, he suppressed the freedom of the people.  The people weren’t an issue for him as long as his rule was successful.  Poverty reached the highest it has been during his reign due to his selfishness (13).  

            The Ottoman Empire indirectly influenced the economy in Lebanon to this day.  The Lebanese people felt oppressed and were uncomfortable under their rule.  They would leave Lebanon and emigrate to Egypt and countries in North and South America (14).  The people would then send remittance to their family members back in Lebanon and this helped boost the economy (15).  Another aspect that was influenced would be the food.  The Ottoman cuisine is still widely spread and used throughout Lebanon.   One food would be the Shawarma, which originated in Constantinople, known today as Istanbul.