Khenshara: The Zokhraya Printing Press, located at the Monastery of Saint John in the town of Khenshara, Mount Lebanon, stands as a testament to the first Arabic printing press in the Middle East, established in 1733 by the scholar Abdullah Al-Zakhir Al-Hamawi.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Zakhir, originally from Aleppo, Syria, relocated to Lebanon in 1722. Settling in Khenshara, he began the intricate process of manufacturing printing tools with the assistance of local craftsmen. His efforts culminated in the creation of a printing press that became an intellectual beacon, significantly contributing to the spread of knowledge and Arabic literature in the region.
The press's first works were produced with the expertise of renowned calligrapher Gabriel Labad Al-Hamawi, who was celebrated for his elegant handwriting style, the "Labad Script." This collaboration marked a significant milestone in the history of Arabic printing, as it blended traditional craftsmanship with innovative printing techniques.
In recognition of its historical significance, Lebanon's Directorate General of Antiquities listed the Zokhraya Printing Press as a historic heritage building in 1962. This designation has helped preserve its legacy as a landmark in the cultural renaissance of Arabic literature and printing.