Major Eras and Historical Development

The Druze religion began in 1017 a.d in Cairo.  Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (ruler by the command of allah) was the leader/creator who disappeared four years after the start of the religion.  While many believe that Al-Hakim died, the Druze believe that he is waiting to return and bring a golden age.  In 1291 they participated in their first revolt against the Mameluks, and in 1300 a.d the Sultan of Egypt defeated the Druze and forced them to conform to Sunni Islam.  They did this outwardly to protect themselves, but internally still practiced their faith.  In 1516 the Druze participated in the Arab stands against the crusades following the Ottoman conquest and controlled Antioch in their peak after successfully rebelling from the Turks twice.  They prospered as powerful vassals until their lebanese leader was driven out and taken to Italy.  During the 19th century the Druze were faced with conflict and triumph.  Early on, they dominated the Lebanese aristocracy under the ruling of the Shihab family.  However in 1860 the Druze-Maronite conflict occurred, in which the Druze won the war and controlled/gained territory, but soon lost it in 1896 after being defeated by the Turks.  The Druze religion began to blossom in the 20th century when their faith developed largely in Lebanon and throughout the Arab World.  In 1925, the Druze revolt took place as an uprising of tribes in lebanon and syria against French mandatory officials attempting to upset their traditions and beliefs led to a large fight.  The Druze were able to maintain their traditions, prevailing over the French. During World War I the Druze assisted Britain against the Turks and fully rebelled from the French, who attempted to take over again in WWI, in 1925. Since then, the Druze have been of help in other wars for ally countries.

This image depicts a Druze unit marching in a parade after winning a battle in 1949.