The 18th century witnessed a significant transformation in the intellectual and cultural landscape of the Levant as printing made its beginning in the Christian communities of Lebanon and Syria. This groundbreaking development marked a departure from the centuries-old tradition of manuscript production, offering a new medium for the preservation, dissemination, and exchange of knowledge. During this period, the Ottoman Empire was a vast, multiethnic, and multi-religious entity, comprising diverse communities, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews. 1 The Ottomans had a complex relationship with printing; while they recognized the value of printed materials, especially for administrative and military purposes, they were also cautious about its potential impact on traditional authority and Islamic orthodoxy. 2 To delve deeper into this pivotal period, we explore the early days of Arabic printing in Lebanon and Syria through the lens of Western sources and travellers. These visitors, including diplomats, missionaries and scholars, provided valuable insights into the early Arabic presses they encountered. Their observations, often shaped by their own cultural backgrounds and political motivations, offer a unique perspective on the technical, cultural, and religious challenges faced by local printing establishments. After briefly reviewing the history of printing in Europe and its introduction to Lebanon and Syria, we will examine