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Diversity Religion

Syria’s DruzeSyria’s Druze

First in our series of Syria’s religious makeup: the Druze. We aim to educate ourselves and our fellow Syrians on the history and communities of our country. Misinformation often grows vastly and knowledge about one another is a vital way to achieve coexistence and move forward. The Druze faith is a syncretic monotheistic faith that is also esoteric and largely secretive. While the faith has some connections to Abrahamic religions and is often mistakenly linked to Islam, today it is a distinct faith with distinct practices, and almost all Druze do not identify as Muslims. Roughly half of the worldwide Druze population is located in Syria where they form the fourth or fifth largest religious group in the country (3-4%), (following Sunni Muslims, Alawites & Christians, preceding Shia Muslims & Ismailis (however they may possibly replace the Druze today as 4th largest, placing the Druze in 5th place)) Edit: Druze are also located in Northern Jordan forming 0.5-1% of the country. This places them in the light pink category on the map with Idlib Governorate.

In and outside of Syria, you may have heard of the Derzi people or the Druze community. Druze are one of many religious minorities in Syria. Besides Syria, their native lands include Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories, however many have immigrated to the USA, Canada, Australia, and South America. In Syria, there are approximately 700,000 Druze, forming 3-4% of Syria’s religious makeup.

Syria today has the largest population of Druze worldwide while Lebanon has the highest percentage worldwide in relationship to population size (5-6%). Up to 60,000 Syrian Druze live in Venezuela and have had a presence there for over 100 years. Several thousand Druze in Sweida also possess a Venezuelan citizenship.
Roughly half of Syria’s Druze are centred in the southern governorate of Sweida, where they form a religious majority. About a third of the community live in the suburbs of Damascus and a few villages in the governorate of Rural Damascus, and the remaining live by Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights, in addition to about a dozen villages in the north western governorate of Idlib bordering Turkey.

Where did the Druze faith originate from?

The Druze faith originated in the Fatimid Caliphate of Egypt (900-1200AD), a Shiite/Ismaili Caliphate. In the 11th century, they were referred to as the Muwahidun Al Druze (The Druze Monotheists/Unitarians) as they sought to unify all roads that lead to God. The Muwahidun considered that belief in one God, and pursuing humanity. (regardless how), was enough. What also made them distinct was their belief in the reincarnation of the human souls amongst their descendants. Essentially, to allow for the soul to purify itself to be granted eternity in heaven.

The faith began to disappear in Egypt as leaders were persecuted and believers settled in the Levant where the faith survived. Missionaries formed notable Druze communities and ever since, the community became very secretive to ensure their continuity. Conversion to the faith is prohibited and practicing members refrain from marrying other than a Druze.

An important historical figure:

A key Syrian Druze figure in our history, who is revered by all Syrians, is Sultan Basha Al Atrash (March/5/1888 – March/26/1982). He was a Druze leader and the General Commander of the Syrian Revolution against French colonization who played a major role in deciding the destiny of Jabal Al Druze and Syria in general! An incident that demonstrates his strength and determination is the Adham Khanjar incident where Adham, a young rebel, sought refuge at Sultan’s house, but was captured by the French army.
Sultan demanded his release, and when the French ignored his request, he and his men attacked a French convoy; an incident which paved the way to the Great Syrian Revolution against French colonization. The revolt which was led by Sultan, saw the unification of Syrians of all faiths and backgrounds calling for an end to the colonizing power which had split Syria on a sectarian basis. Sultan Basha Al Atrash’s courage and love for Syria can still be seen in today’s Druze community in their strong attachment to their Syrian identity and culture.

Prominent Figures:

  • Doctor Ehsan Ezzeldine – Doctor based in Damascus known as Doctor of the Poor, treating patients for free
  • Professor Hussain Al Kadi – wrote several books about corruption & auditing to help improve the Syrian economy
  • Dr. Mamdouh Hamadeh – Screenwriter and Journalist

Actors

  • Naji, Haitham & Mahmoud Jabr
  • Jumana Murad
  • Yamen ElI Hajli
  • Mahmoud Nasr
  • Marah Jabr
  • Lilia Al Atrash

Artists

  • Asmahan
  • Farid Al Atrash
  • Fahd Ballan