The sun sets off the coast of Lebanon. (Credit: AFP/File)
Dear readers,
The year 2022 is coming to an end, and it’s the time for recaps and other odds and ends.
At L’Orient Today, we figured we’d offer you another kind of recap, one where we share with you the stories we published this year that give you another perspective on Lebanon, sometimes more in depth, and sometimes more heartwarming.
Happy reading!
Start by (re)discovering how the country’s past three years of crisis has transformed some businesses and created opportunities for others: some farmers were pushed into the more lucrative hashish and captagon trades; Lebanese people managed to remain on top of fashion trends thanks to thrift stores that also provide jobs for hundreds; some towns have flourished thanks to cryptocurrency mining; and people made end meets through gambling, legally and illegally, during the World Cup.
Continue by diving into the rich history of Lebanon and Lebanese people: learn about Beirut’s hidden castle, which has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over. Get to know the so-called “Arabs of Khaldeh,” descendants of Bedouin tribes who hang onto their traditions but defend their Lebanese identity. Discover the incredible story of Aliya Ogdie Hassa, the elusive “Mother of Arabs,” in the American Midwest, who was an activist, poet, community organizer, dancer, private investigator and friend of Malcolm X; read how cholera outbreaks were dealt with in the past.
Get back to the present, and see how ketamine, an anesthetic and party drug, can help alleviate suicidal tendencies.
Get a look at some of the facts and misconceptions surrounding Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
Get a taste of whether you paid too much at the beach this summer.
Understand why Lebanon’s civil servants are leaving in droves, why they aren’t being replaced and why it’s a problem.
See how much money wealthy and connected Lebanese have sent offshore since the start of the crisis.
Keep reading to learn how women are defying patriarchy and the dangers of the sea to pursue their passion for fishing. Read about the fight to keep the snail foraging tradition alive, despite people migrating and getting bogged down by the economic crisis. Explore the concepts of home and creativity with three Lebanese artists. Meet the photographer who documents Lebanon’s queer community to combat his fear of forgetting.
And say farewell to 2022 with a doudou shot, the (in)famous Lebanese drink whose origin is claimed by many and, yet, officially attributed to no one.
We wish you a very happy new year.