Ahmad Daouk

Ahmad Bey Daouk (‎; 1892–1979) was a Lebanese politician who on two occasions became Prime Minister of Lebanon. He was born in 1892 to the Daouk Family. He was the younger brother of Omar Bey Daouk, the Head of Beirut Vilayet that time (pre-Greater Lebanon) before the French Mandate of Lebanon. Daouk was known for being one of few men to ever serve as prime minister of Lebanon in the French Mandate of Lebanon and the First Republic of Lebanon (1943–1991). Sami Solh also served within these two periods.

Early life and education Daouk was born in Ras Beirut in 1892.

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 Egypt. In 1919 he was assigned personally by King Hussein I of Hejaz, as his technical adviser and he was put in charge of the mining industry in Hejaz. 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 French Mandate when, after having served as Secretary of State for Public Works and Post Telephone and Telegraph earlier in 1941, he was appointed Prime Minister 1941 to 1942 during the rule of President Alfred Naqqache by the President of Lebanon. His first mandate was renowned for helping pave the way for Lebanon's independence, after he had stepped down from his role in 1942 increasing the pressure asserted on France's actions by the United Kingdom and the western powers.

Although he had very close ties with France on the political sphere, Daouk was known for fully supporting the idea of a free and independent Lebanese republic. Upon resignation, as Sunni Muslim judge from Sidon known as Sami Solh was appointed as Daouk's successor

Diplomatic career

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. 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. On 15 May 1960, Daouk took initiative and formed an interim government while heading it as prime minister to hold back the increasing tensions in Lebanon during the political vacuum of the early 1960s. His policies were credible as they contributed to Lebanon's booming economy in the 1960s where the Lebanese were among the wealthiest 30 nations in the world.

Diplomatic career 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.

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 St. Charles (Monaco)

- 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)

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