The Early Arab Press

June 10, 2023 - September 16, 2023

In the 19th century, many attempts were made to determine the number of magazines and newspapers published in Arabic around the world. However, those attempts failed to produce an accurate figure because some of the publications were printed in remote areas, had poor circulation and a very limited number of publications.

In 1892, Jirji Zaydan conducted the first census of Arabic-language newspapers and magazines, which was published in the first issue of the Al-Hilāl magazine and indicated that 147 newspapers and magazines were in publication. The survey documented the names of newspapers that would eventually be lost to history. Although incomplete, this survey was important in tracing the history of the early Arab press.  

Hadiqat al-Akhbār, Beirut, 1859

The first Arabic newspaper in Beirut, founded by Khalil al-Khūrī in January 1858.

Al-Quds, Jerusalem, 1910

A newspaper that specialized in sciences, literature and current affairs, published twice a week; it was founded by Jirjī Hanānīa in 1909.

Al-Sā’ih, New York, 1912.

A newspaper founded by Abd al-Masīh Haddād on 22 April 1912.