The Druze Authority in Lebanon and Its Relationship with the Ruling Powers under the Mamluk and Ottoman States (The Tanukhids from the Al-Buhtur Dynasty and the Ma’nis as an Example).

Abstract

The history of Lebanon during the Mamluk and Ottoman rule witnessed complex interactions between local families and the ruling powers. Each faction in Lebanon at the time, including the Banu Buhtur and the Ma‘n dynasty, sought to assert its presence under the Mamluk and Ottoman states. Their objectives included protecting their interests and maintaining independence in the regions they controlled by adopting policies of maneuvering and strategic flexibility. They worked to establish strong relations with both the Mamluk and Ottoman authorities while simultaneously leveraging regional conflicts between these powers. This was particularly evident in their dealings with competing major powers of the time, such as the Crusaders, the Mongols, and the Western Christian world. Through this dual strategy, they aimed to maximize their political gains and safeguard their local interests amidst ongoing geopolitical transformations. This study seeks to compare two prominent Druze families that ruled in Lebanon—the Buhturids and the Ma‘nids—both of whom aspired to achieve their own ambitions of independence from the central authority. The Buhturids, known for their strong connections with the Mamluks, were characterized by their desire to maintain relative autonomy without directly confronting the Mamluks. They pursued a policy of adapting to the status quo while cautiously building relationships with external powers. In contrast, the Ma‘n family, particularly under the leadership of Fakhr al-Din II, adopted a completely different approach with the Ottomans. The Ma‘nids sought full independence from Ottoman rule and relied on their strong relations with Western powers, especially European states, to achieve this goal. These alliances, exemplified by their political and military cooperation with the West, were aimed at undermining Ottoman influence in the region. This approach made their stance more assertive and explicit compared to that of the Buhturids.