Ahmad Daouk

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Ahmad Bey Daouk (

Early life and education

Daouk was born in Ras Beirut in 1892.^[2] After completing his secondary studies in a French school in Beirut in 1910, Daouk went to France to continue his studies where he obtained a diploma in engineering from the National School of Arts and Crafts of Aix-en-Provence in 1914.^[2]

Early career

Daouk's notable career began in 1915 where he worked as an engineer at the Société Générale des Sucreries within the refinery industry of

Daouk was Mayor until 1941 until he was appointed as Prime Minister of Lebanon. In 1927 Daouk became an influential philanthropist in Beirut. Throughout this period Daouk was influential along other political figures in visioning Lebanon's independence carving the path towards it.

First Mandate

Daouk's first mandate was during the

western powers

.

Although he had very close ties with

Sami Solh

was appointed as Daouk's successor

Diplomatic career

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In 1943, Daouk became the President of the National Congress of Lebanon right after he completed his term as prime minister, or what was called the President of Councils before 1943.[5] In 1944 Daouk was chosen as the consul of Lebanon to France he would become an ambassador in 1953 and remain at that position within his diplomatic mission for another five years until his return in 1958.^[5] His diplomatic mission was widely supported by the Lebanese as he severely re-strengthened Lebanon's ties with France, while Camile Chamoun was shifting Lebanon's ties towards the United States. In 1958 Daouk was appointed ambassador to Spain^[5] where he strengthened the ties between Lebanon and Spain and promoted economic and political cooperation in various projects within Lebanon. A program was also launched to attract and re-invite the Lebanese diaspora that had left Lebanon earlier to Latin America. Daouk has also been a delegate of Lebanon in many conferences within the United Nations, Arab League and UNESCO. After his second mandate, Daouk became a director of the OGERO group, Lebanon's telecommunications company, he also had an intuitive role in real estate.

Second Mandate

Upon the election of

In 1944 Daouk was chosen as the consul of Lebanon to France he would become an ambassador in 1953 and remain at that position within his diplomatic mission for another five years until his return in 1958.^[5] In 1958 Daouk was appointed ambassador to Spain^[5] where he strengthened the ties between Lebanon and Spain and promoted economic and political cooperation in various projects within Lebanon. A program was also launched to attract and re-invite the Lebanese diaspora that had left Lebanon earlier to Latin America. Daouk has also been a delegate of Lebanon in many conferences within the United Nations, Arab League and UNESCO. After his second mandate, Daouk became a director of the OGERO group, Lebanon's telecommunications company, he also had an intuitive role in real estate.^{[citation needed]}

Personal life

Outside Parliament, Daouk was noted by others to be very similar to his iconic brother Omar. Omar Bey Daouk was quoted by Michel Chiha's personal observations:

“…My recently departed friend had all the characteristics of a sage. Both in private and in public, he was an upstanding citizen. We were both members of the first committee that saw to the birth of our nation’s Constitution. He was known for his quiet discernment, his respect for the rights of others, for his perfect understanding of the country’s multiplicity, his sense of harmony and his recognition of the political and social benefits that Greater Lebanon offered all its citizens. He saw in it the possibilities of a multi-communal society. More at home behind the scenes, his advice was often called upon in matters of state or business. The nation will always remember what he stood for and will always be grateful for the public contributions of this exemplary man…”

‘Omar Bey Daouk’, M.C., Le Jour, November 1949.^[8]

Honors

- Honorary Colonel of the Army of (Hejaz)

- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor (France)

- Medal of Vermeil of the City of Paris (France)

- Grand Cross of the Order of Christ (Portugal)

- Grand Cross of the Order of Merit (Spain)

-

- Grand Officer of the Order of Nahda (Hejaz)

- Grand Officer of the Umayyad Order (Syria)

- Grand Officer of the Order of the Cedar (Lebanon)

- Medal of Queen Elizabeth (England)

Gallery

References