Exploring Identity: A Lebanese-Canadian Photographer’s Journey Home

Dalia Rahhal, a Lebanese-Canadian photographer based in Toronto, Canada, shares her reflections on her dual existence between Canada and Lebanon. Rahhal reminisces about the distinct landscapes and sounds of Lebanon, including snow-capped mountains, poppy fields, and the vibrant village life during Eid, contrasting them with her experiences in Canada.

Rahhal moved to Canada in September 2013 with her mother Laila and her younger siblings. Since then, she has adapted to Canadian winters, high school life, and seasonal changes, forging a new identity in her adopted home. However, she notes a significant milestone: she has now lived in Canada for as long as she did in Lebanon, a period she terms her ’50/50′.

Her ties to Lebanon are sustained through visits to see her father, Ramy, who remains in the Beqaa Valley. This regular summer pilgrimage ceased in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a four-year absence from her homeland. Returning to Lebanon in August 2023, Rahhal reflects on the changes both in the country and within her own identity.

Her family history is deeply entwined with Lebanon, despite her mother’s upbringing in Ontario and her father’s roots in the Beqaa Valley. These personal connections are highlighted through letters exchanged by Rahhal’s parents during pivotal moments, such as when her mother traveled to Lebanon after Rahhal’s birth. Now, the letters have transformed into daily WhatsApp photos of tulips.

The photographer describes her recent visit to Lebanon as both painful and fulfilling. In her village, Rahhal witnessed transformations brought on by economic challenges, including widespread use of solar panels. Yet, she experienced a profound sense of belonging, despite the physical and social changes that have occurred in her absence.

Rahhal expresses concerns for Lebanon’s future amidst ongoing regional tensions following footage of Israeli strikes, fearing for her father’s safety and their family’s future together. She hopes for a peaceful resolution, allowing Lebanon to thrive without the constant threat of conflict.

Through her photography series ’50/50′, she recounts her family’s experiences living between two worlds and grapples with her own identity. Her work reflects the resilience and enduring spirit of the Lebanese people, often likened to a phoenix rising from its ashes. Rahhal’s journey affirms her pride in her heritage and the narrative of a home and identity spread across continents.