History of the Druzes

A History of the Druzes begins with an introduction to the early history of the Druzes, focusing on the religious, political, and social features that fostered the Druze community as a religious minority with its own particular characteristics, facilitating an understanding of the Druzes today.Part two examines the period of decline of the Druzes in Lebanon and the emergence of their new center of settlement in Hawran as well as the socio-political significance of the decline against the background of the history of the community.Part three studies the situation of the Druze community during the years 1860-1914, when the new settlement in Hawran took over the role played by the community in Lebanon in the past. It discusses the rise of the Atrash family, the type of feudality that existed in Hawran, the interaction of the Druze community with its environment, and the community's internal socio-political development.Part four is concerned with the repercussions of the mandate system on the socio-political situation of the Druzes community in the new constellation characterized by the dispute between Britain and France and by the emergence of Arab national movements. The post-1946/48 years are dealt with in a short concluding part which surveys the Druze communities in Syria, Lebanon and Israel and provides an historical perspective in evaluating the present situation of the Druzes in each of these countries.