Martyrs' Day (Lebanon and Syria)
A national day honoring Lebanese patriots executed under Ottoman rule in 1916.
Martyrs' Day on May 6 commemorates the execution of 21 Arab nationalists by Ottoman authorities in 1916, a pivotal event in the Arab independence movement. In Lebanon, the day is marked by official ceremonies at Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square, where wreaths and flowers are laid at the memorial. Schools, government offices, and many businesses close to allow citizens to participate in tributes and moments of silence. In Syria, similar remembrances honor the fallen and reflect on the struggle for national sovereignty. The observance underscores themes of sacrifice, courage, and unity in the face of oppression. Through speeches, cultural performances, and educational programs, communities revisit this defining moment in their shared history.
Martyrs' Day (Lebanon and Syria)