Shihāb family

The Shihāb family was a prominent Lebanese ruling dynasty that governed Mount Lebanon under Ottoman and Egyptian suzerainty from the late 17th century until 1842. While originating as Sunni Muslims, some members of the family converted to Maronite Christianity, reflecting the evolving religious landscape and political alliances within Lebanon.1

A notable figure from this family was Bashīr Shihāb II, who ruled from 1788 to 1840. Despite a poor upbringing, he married into wealth and consolidated his power by diminishing the influence of the Druze princes, who had traditionally supported Lebanese emirs. Bashīr II initially allied with the Ottoman official Aḥmad al-Jazzār and later with Muhammad ʿAlī of Egypt. His reign saw economic growth and social change, but also increased tensions between Christian and Druze communities. Ultimately, a rebellion supported by the British led to his deposition and exile in 1840, marking the effective end of the Shihāb princedom.21