The Druze are originally descendants of the Fatimid Caliphate, meaning they stem from the Ismailis and, therefore, the Seveners (Seb’iyye). However, they differ from other Seveners in a key aspect: they consider the Egyptian Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amrillah to be God and his deputy, Hamza Bin Ali, to be a prophet.
Their origins are described as Mazdaki, Median, or Persian. There are serious claims that they are of Kurdish descent and migrated from Şingal to their current regions. However, they identify themselves as pure Arabs. Their flag symbolizes their religious beliefs and is only raised in critical moments; its display signifies rebellion. They are a warrior and resistant community.
Key Features of the Druze Faith
They emphasize solidarity, and their views on male-female relationships share similarities with the Alevi community. They have religious schools (madrasas) that provide theological education. Their belief system is based on esoteric (Bātinī) philosophy and has strong resemblances to Alevism. They believe in one God.
In Druze doctrine, consuming pork, drinking alcohol, smoking, usury, polygamy, and marrying non-Druze individuals are all forbidden.
According to the Druze, souls undergo reincarnation after death. As a community that exists within the cultural crossroads of the Middle East, they maintain a mysterious and secretive existence, living behind a veil of secrecy.
Druze Population and Settlements
There are approximately 700,000 Druze in Syria. In Lebanon, their population is around 160,000. In Israel, they have three villages with a total population of 15,000–20,000. The Druze in Israel claim that they are not Arabs but rather related to Jews. They serve in the military, police, and other security forces. Additionally, there is a special Druze unit within the Israeli army. Around 120,000 Druze live in the Golan Heights.
The Druze Under Assad
Their relationship with both Hafez al-Assad and his son, Bashar al-Assad, was never fully stable. They have always demanded autonomy. Bashar al-Assad attempted to subdue them through oppression and force. When ISIS massacred hundreds of Druze, they formed their own self-defense forces. They have consistently opposed Iran’s attempts to impose Shia conversion.
In 2023, they launched a large-scale rebellion in their regions. They clashed with Assad’s forces while demanding autonomy. During this period, they effectively established a de facto autonomous region. After Assad was overthrown, they renewed their demands for autonomy to the new Damascus government and international powers. The Druze’s spiritual leader, Hikmat al-Hijri, recently stated, “We will not unite with such a jihadist ideology,” affirming that they would not align with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Druze Military Strength
Their self-defense forces consist of three brigades, and they have established organizations in every Druze village and neighborhood. They are capable of resisting any potential intervention by HTS. Historically, they have never submitted to any power and have always strived for autonomous living. Their strongholds are the Golan Heights and Jabal al-Druze (Druze Mountain). The regions they inhabit are strategic, rugged, and mountainous. In the current geopolitical climate, they continue their pursuit of autonomy as they have in the past.
Gender Equality Among the Druze
The Druze place significant importance on gender equality. Women can become religious leaders and even attain high-ranking positions, and they are not required to wear veils. Women are not allowed to marry before the age of 17, and men before the age of 18. Additionally, couples are expected to have no more than four children, with a four to five-year gap between each child.