November 24, 2025
Since its emergence in the 11th century A.D., the Druze community has shaped the political, social, and cultural landscapes of the Levant—particularly in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel.
Despite their relatively small population, the Druze have maintained a distinct religious identity and cohesive social structure that enabled them to play influential roles in regional developments. This webinar will provide an overview of the community’s faith and values, highlight key turning points in their modern history, and discuss the recent tragic events unfolding in the Province of Suwayda, offering insight into their ongoing struggle for security, dignity, and self-determination.
About the speaker: Said Abou Zaki is a historian and instructor at the Lebanese American University, where he has taught since 2014 in the Humanities Division of the Department of Liberal Studies. His teaching and research focus on Arab and Middle Eastern history, Druze Studies, and Islamic Thought with a strong interdisciplinary approach. He is the author of Mashyakhat ʿAql al-Duruz fi Lubnan: Bahthun fi Usuliha wa-Ma‘naha wa-Tatawwuriha (Dar al-Machreq, 2021), a seminal study on the historical development and meaning of the Druze office of Shaykh al-ʿAql.
Further information
- Location: Online
- Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Cost: Free