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Top 10 Notable Druze People: Well-Known Individuals

4 min read January 24, 2024

The Druze community, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion, has produced numerous notable individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields. Here are ten of the most popular celebrities and notable people from the Druze ethnicity:

  • Salma Hayek Pinault: A Mexican-American actress, producer, and director. She has starred in numerous films, including Desperado, Frida, and Eternals. She is also a vocal advocate for social and environmental justice.


  • Amin Maalouf: A Lebanese-French writer, historian, and journalist. He is known for his novels, including “The Rock of Tanios” and “Samarkand,” which explore themes of identity, history, and cultural diversity.


  • Waleed Murad: An Israeli Druze politician who served as a member of the Knesset from 1999 to 2013. He was a leading advocate for peace and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.


  • Majida El Roumi: A Lebanese singer and actress known for her powerful voice and wide vocal range. She has released numerous albums and performed in concerts worldwide.


  • Tawfik Ziad: An Israeli-Druze poet and politician. He was known for his political activism and his poems that explored themes of identity, social justice, and the Palestinian struggle.


  • Haifa Wehbe: A Lebanese singer, actress, and model. She is one of the most popular Arab singers and has released numerous hit songs and albums.


  • Marwan Hamed: An Egyptian film director and screenwriter. He is known for his critically acclaimed films, including “The Yacoubian Building” and “Cairo 678.”.


  • Suheir Hammad: A Palestinian-American poet, writer, and performer. She is known for her powerful and evocative work that explores themes of identity, displacement, and social justice.


  • Hala Gorani: A CNN international correspondent. She is known for her coverage of major news events, including the Arab Spring uprisings and the Syrian Civil War.


  • Michael Abdalla: A British actor known for his roles in films such as “The Kite Runner” and “The Martian.” He is also an active campaigner for refugees and asylum seekers.
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These are just a few examples of the many talented and influential individuals from the Druze community who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

The Druze ( DROOZ; Arabic: دَرْزِيّ, darzī or دُرْزِيّ durzī, pl. دُرُوز, durūz), who call themselves al-Muwaḥḥidūn (lit. 'the monotheists' or 'the unitarians'), are an Arab and Arabic-speaking esoteric ethnoreligious group from Western Asia who adhere to the Druze faith, an Abrahamic, monotheistic, syncretic, and ethnic religion whose main tenets are the unity of God and the belief in reincarnation and the eternity of the soul. Most Druze religious practices are kept secret. The Druze do not permit outsiders to convert to their religion. Marriage outside the Druze faith is rare and strongly discouraged. The Epistles of Wisdom is the foundational and central text of the Druze faith. The Druze faith incorporates elements of Isma'ili Shia, Christianity, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Pythagoreanism, and other philosophies and beliefs, creating a distinct and secretive theology based on an esoteric interpretation of scripture, which emphasizes the role of the mind and truthfulness. Druze believe in theophany and reincarnation. Druze believe that at the end of the cycle of rebirth, which is achieved through successive reincarnations, the soul is united with the Cosmic Mind (al-ʻaql al-kullī). The Druze have a special reverence for Shuaib, who they believe is the same person as the biblical Jethro. The Druze believe that Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and Imam Muhammad ibn Isma'il were prophets. Druze tradition also honors and reveres Salman the Persian, al-Khidr (whom they identify as Elijah, reborn as John the Baptist and Saint George), Job, Luke the Evangelist, and others as "mentors" and "prophets".Even though the faith originally developed out of Isma'ilism, the Druze are not Muslims. The Druze faith is one of the major religious groups in the Levant, with between 800,000 and a million adherents. They are found primarily in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, with small communities in Jordan. They make up 5.5% of the population of Lebanon, 3% of Syria and 1.6% of Israel. The oldest and most densely-populated Druze communities exist in Mount Lebanon and in the south of Syria around Jabal al-Druze (literally the "Mountain of the Druze").The Druze community played a critically important role in shaping the history of the Levant, where it continues to play a significant political role. As a religious minority in every country in which they are found, they have frequently experienced persecution by different Muslim regimes, including contemporary Islamic extremism.

Most Famous Druze People

Druze Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Druze community is a religious and ethnic minority group that primarily resides in the Middle East. With a rich history and distinct religious beliefs, the Druze have made significant contributions to the cultural heritage of the region. Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Druze heritage:

  • The Druze Philosophy:

    • One of the most remarkable aspects of the Druze community is their unique religious and philosophical system. The Druze philosophy originated in the 11th century and combines elements of Islam, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and other beliefs. Central to their faith is the concept of “taqiyya,” which promotes the concealment of their beliefs from outsiders. This secrecy has led to a level of mystery surrounding the Druze community, making them even more intriguing to outsiders.

  • Historical Military Contributions:

    • Throughout history, the Druze community has been known for their military prowess. Their skilled warriors have played significant roles in various conflicts across the centuries. In the 19th century, for example, Druze fighters were instrumental in the Lebanese resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Their courage and strategic abilities have earned them a reputation as formidable fighters.

  • Distinct Cultural Traditions:

    • The Druze community has also preserved a distinct set of cultural traditions over the years. From their unique religious practices to their traditional clothing and cuisine, the Druze community has managed to maintain their cultural identity despite living in diverse regions. Druze food, in particular, stands out with its rich flavors and traditional dishes like tabbouleh and mansaf. This cultural heritage is treasured by the Druze and is a testament to their resilience and dedication to their traditions.

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In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Levantine, Alawite and Kosovan roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Ethnic Factsheet: The Druze People

Druze Ethnicity
Region Middle East
Main Countries Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Jordan
Population Approximately 1.5 million
Language Arabic
Religion Druze (a unique religious community with elements of Islam, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and other philosophies)
Majority in Mount Lebanon, Southern Syria, Galilee region in Israel, and Jebel al-Druze area in southern Syria
The Druze ( DROOZ; Arabic: دَرْزِيّ, darzī or دُرْزِيّ durzī, pl. دُرُوز, durūz), who call themselves al-Muwaḥḥidūn (lit. 'the monotheists' or 'the unitarians'), are an Arab and Arabic-speaking esoteric ethnoreligious group from Western Asia who adhere to the Druze faith, an Abrahamic, monotheistic, syncretic, and ethnic religion whose main tenets are the unity of God and the belief in reincarnation and the eternity of the soul. Most Druze religious practices are kept secret. The Druze do not permit outsiders to convert to their religion. Marriage outside the Druze faith is rare and strongly discouraged. The Epistles of Wisdom is the foundational and central text of the Druze faith. The Druze faith incorporates elements of Isma'ili Shia, Christianity, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Pythagoreanism, and other philosophies and beliefs, creating a distinct and secretive theology based on an esoteric interpretation of scripture, which emphasizes the role of the mind and truthfulness. Druze believe in theophany and reincarnation. Druze believe that at the end of the cycle of rebirth, which is achieved through successive reincarnations, the soul is united with the Cosmic Mind (al-ʻaql al-kullī). The Druze have a special reverence for Shuaib, who they believe is the same person as the biblical Jethro. The Druze believe that Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and Imam Muhammad ibn Isma'il were prophets. Druze tradition also honors and reveres Salman the Persian, al-Khidr (whom they identify as Elijah, reborn as John the Baptist and Saint George), Job, Luke the Evangelist, and others as "mentors" and "prophets".Even though the faith originally developed out of Isma'ilism, the Druze are not Muslims. The Druze faith is one of the major religious groups in the Levant, with between 800,000 and a million adherents. They are found primarily in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, with small communities in Jordan. They make up 5.5% of the population of Lebanon, 3% of Syria and 1.6% of Israel. The oldest and most densely-populated Druze communities exist in Mount Lebanon and in the south of Syria around Jabal al-Druze (literally the "Mountain of the Druze").The Druze community played a critically important role in shaping the history of the Levant, where it continues to play a significant political role. As a religious minority in every country in which they are found, they have frequently experienced persecution by different Muslim regimes, including contemporary Islamic extremism.

The Ancient Heritage of Druze Ethnic Groups

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References to the Druze Ethnic Group

The Druze ethnic group is a religious community with its roots in the 11th century in the Levant region. Below are some references and resources to dig deeper into the history, beliefs, and culture of the Druze people:

  • Britannica – Britannica provides an overview of the Druze religion, history, and their presence in the Middle East. It delves into their secretive nature, religious practices, and cultural traditions.
  • Druze Heritage Foundation – The Druze Heritage Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting Druze history, culture, and heritage. Their website contains articles, publications, and research materials on various aspects of Druze identity.
  • JSTOR – JSTOR provides scholarly articles and publications on the Druze faith, society, and political involvement in different regions. This resource offers in-depth analysis and research on the Druze ethnic group.
  • Academia.edu – Academia.edu hosts numerous academic papers and studies on the Druze religion, culture, and history. It is a valuable platform for finding scholarly research and analysis on the Druze people.

These references and resources are a great starting point for learning more about the Druze ethnic group. They provide insights into their religious beliefs, cultural practices, and historical significance. Exploring these materials will foster a deeper understanding of the unique aspects that shape the Druze community.

We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent Druze. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.

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Posted by
Syarif Muhamad

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