What is Maabar?

“Maabar” is an on-going podcast series tracing the modern history of Lebanon through the stories of those who have lived it. Cutting across two genres—Oral History and Documentary—the cascade of stories paints a people-centered, multi-perspective view of what took place and the meanings they carry.

Project Overview & Background

In Lebanon, the enduring impact of the Civil War (1975-90) is palpable in the subsequent years of violence that have played out across both public and private life. However, the past is not openly or critically discussed, but rather politicized in public, and whispered about in private, casting an ominous and lingering shadow over the present.
“Maabar” was born out of a deep curiosity and commitment to move beyond superficial political narratives offered by different parties, and seek a more comprehensive, multi-perspective understanding of Lebanon’s modern past, and with that, it’s present.
We initiated our journey with a focus on the Civil War period. However, during the research and production of the first season, our curiosity grew. To arrive at a meaningful understanding of our current situation, we are convinced that we must look beyond the civil war period and comprehend the complex relations across time.
Maabar intends to explore Lebanon’s history in 15-year segments, from the immediate prewar period starting 1960 - 1975 to the most recent years of the postwar period up to 2020.
Each period will be encapsulated in a stand-alone season, organized around the predominant themes that emerge. Initially, each season will present a unified body of work released together, and over time, we will add additional episodes to the collection.

Links to Episodes

Season 2, EP3_EN

Season 2, EP2_FR

Season 1, EP1_AR