The Druze of Syria: Faith, History, and Struggle in a Changing Nation

 The Druze of Syria: Faith, History, and Struggle in a Changing Nation

🔹 Who Are the Druze?

(nbc)

In the diverse mix of communities within Syria, the Druze are a small yet significant group. Making up about 3% of the population, they live mostly in the southwest, where they have preserved their unique religious identity, tight-knit traditions, and political influence over centuries.

Their beliefs are quite different from other religious groups in the Middle East. Although their religion began as a branch of Ismaili Shia Islam, the Druze developed their own path — drawing on teachings from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Greek philosophy, and more. Their scriptures, called “Rasa’il al-Hikma” (Letters of Wisdom), are only studied by those initiated into the faith. The Druze community doesn’t accept new converts and doesn’t allow people to leave the religion, which helps preserve their culture and unity.

---

🏔️ Where Do They Live?

Most Druze in Syria live in:

Jabal al-Druze (Mountain of the Druze): A rugged mountain area in the south, full of Druze villages and the heart of their cultural life.

Damascus suburbs, especially Jaramana, where many Druze moved for education or work.

Small communities also exist in the Golan Heights and northern Syria, though many of these have dwindled over time.

---

📜 A Brief History

The Druze came to Syria mainly in the 17th century, moving from Mount Lebanon to escape Ottoman control and Sunni pressure. A major migration occurred after the 1860 violence in Lebanon, when many Druze settled in Jabal al-Druze.

During the Ottoman era, the Druze fiercely resisted taxes and conscription, keeping control of their mountain regions. In the 1920s, under Sultan Pasha al-Atrash, they led the Great Syrian Revolt against French colonial rule. Though the revolt was eventually crushed, it made the Druze national heroes.

---

⚔️ Political Role in Modern Syria

In the years after independence, Druze military officers played key roles in politics, especially during the 1950s and 1960s. However, as the Baath Party and Alawite leaders like Hafez al-Assad took over, Druze influence declined — though they remained part of the military and bureaucracy.

---

👪 Community and Culture

Druze society is built around clans, with religious and social roles passed down through families. There are two groups:

Initiates (“uqqal”) – who study the religious texts.

Non-initiates (“juhhal”) – who focus more on daily life and community affairs.

Marriage outside the community is forbidden, and religious secrecy is strongly maintained.

---

🤝 Relations with Other Groups

The Druze usually follow a pragmatic approach: stay neutral, avoid confrontation, and protect their land and way of life. They've cooperated with various governments and avoided aligning strictly with any ideology, focusing instead on their safety and autonomy.

---

🔥 Impact of the Syrian Civil War

When the civil war began in 2011, the Druze tried to remain neutral, forming local militias for defense. In Sweida and other areas, groups like the Men of Dignity emerged to protect their towns.

Some Druze sided with the government, while others opposed both the regime and Islamist rebels. The community faces increasing pressure from all sides and fears being marginalized in any future political setup.

There have even been Israeli airstrikes near Druze areas, supposedly to protect minorities, but these have complicated matters and caused divisions among Druze leaders.

---

🧭 Conclusion

The Druze of Syria are a powerful example of a minority community that has preserved its identity, faith, and culture for centuries despite challenges. Today, amid shifting alliances and continued unrest, they remain 

focused on survival, dignity, and a rightful place in Syria's future.

---