Amchit in History Conference

As part of its mission to foster sustainable local development rooted in cultural and historical awareness, MIF collaborated with the Lebanese Historical Association to organize a landmark academic conference titled “Amchit in History: A Historical Reading of Geography, Society, and Institutions.” Held at Mar Zakhia Church parish salon, the event marked the town’s first comprehensive scholarly gathering dedicated to its historical evolution.

The opening session brought together leading academic and local figures, including Dr. Marwan Abi Fadel (President of the Lebanese Historical Association), Dr. Toni Issa (President of MIF), Dr. Paul Zgheib (Head of the Scientific Committee), Dr. Issam Khalifeh (Coordinator of Conferences at the Lebanese Historical Association), and Dr. Joseph El Khoury (Mayor of Amchit). The audience included former ministers and deputies from Amchit, university professors, media representatives, and members of the community.

Across 4 academic panels, 14 historians and researchers presented original studies, many based on primary sources being published for the first time, addressing the pillars that shaped Amchit’s identity across the centuries:

• Geography, environment, and natural resources
• Demographic evolution and social structures
• Economic and political transformations
• The development of municipal institutions, schools, religious endowments, and civic life

A dedicated concluding session summarized major findings and outlined research opportunities for the future. The conference will culminate in a published academic volume documenting this collective effort.

This initiative reflects MIF’s conviction that sustainable local development is not limited to infrastructure and services. It also requires preserving memory, strengthening cultural identity, and deepening our understanding of place. By uncovering the layers of Amchit’s past—how its people lived, governed, educated, worshipped, and traded—MIF seeks to honor the town’s legacy while equipping the community with insights that inform planning, civic engagement, and long-term resilience. Investing in historical knowledge is, ultimately, an investment in the vitality and continuity of our towns.