Project outcome #2- Genetic research and the history of the Druze

This research was conducted with Abbigail Vaughn and resulted in a systematic literature review (pending publication).

Zeedan, R., & Vaughn, A. (under review). Does genetic research support the claimed history of the Druze? A systematic literature review.

The initial findings of this project were presented at the 2021 KU Undergraduate Showcase. 

Key findings:

• Suggested proposition: existing medical research on the Druze is sufficient to prove that the Druze closed their faith to new converts in the 11th century and have practiced endogamous marriages since then.
• The findings show that in quantity and quality, the published research supports the proposition.
• Genetic research on the Druze in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and the diaspora is sparse since most studies have focused on the Druze in Israel.
• Future research trajectories: a genetic study conducted simultaneously on the Druze in MENA countries; additional cross-disciplinary research projects.

The outcome of this project includes the following list, which may be useful for other scholars starting a research project on Druze genetics and the history of the Druze (the Druze Genetics List can be provided upon request).

Please reach out to Dr. Zeedan with any questions about how to use the data.