The Druze Cultural Association in Venezuela: Unity of Identity and Heritage

The Druze Cultural Association in Venezuela is considered one of the important and prominent institutions in the Druze community there. Founded in 1982, it has since become a cultural hub for the Druze community in the country, aiming to promote unity and connection among Druze families and to remind them of their Druze and Arab origins.

Founding of the Association

The first establishment of the Druze Cultural Association in Venezuela took place on September 26, 1982, in the city of Maracaibo, the capital of Zulia state. This initiative brought together the pioneers of the Druze community in the state, who had gathered at the Maruma Hotel in Maracaibo to celebrate Eid al-Adha. During this meeting, some of them discussed the idea of establishing a national organization that would bring them together, at least once a year, in one of the country's cities. The discussions did not take long, as the idea was announced that same night to those present, and an organizing committee was formed to prepare everything related to the establishment of the association. This committee included a group of prominent figures in the Druze community such as Hassib Abdul Latif, Aref El Souki, and many others.

Objectives of the Association

The Druze Cultural Association in Venezuela was founded as a non-profit organization with the aim of promoting communication and unity among Druze families and reminding them of their Druze and Arab origins. These objectives have been achieved over the years by organizing numerous social, cultural, and educational events.

Mr. Ghassan Nouehed chairing the organizing committee meeting at the Stouffer Hotel in Valencia

Events and Meetings

The Druze Cultural Association in Venezuela is a very active organization, having organized nearly 31 national conventions, starting from the first convention in Maracaibo in 1984 to the thirtieth convention in the city of Barinas in 2016. There were also two attempts to organize other conventions in Puerto La Cruz in 2001 and 2003, but they were suspended due to political problems and emergency events. In addition to national conventions, the association has also organized three national youth meetings and three national meetings for professionals and technicians. Regional meetings have also been organized to promote communication and gatherings among members.

Sustainability and Communication

The Druze Cultural Association in Venezuela is considered a model for sustainability and commitment to its cultural and social objectives. Through the decades that have passed, the association has managed to remain strong and active, reflecting the great dedication and interest of its members. The association continues to achieve its goals better than ever and represents a model of unity and communication among the Druze in Venezuela.

Shawqi Makarem, Nariman Saab, and Shadi with his sister Shadia in the background, followed by Samer Al-Masri and Waseem Al-Rishani

National Conventions

National conventions are considered an important event in the history of the Druze Cultural Association in Venezuela. They have been organized regularly to promote communication and strengthen unity among members of the Druze community. Here is a list of the national conventions:

First National Convention in Maracaibo in 1984.
Second National Convention in Puerto La Cruz in 1985.
Third National Convention in Maracaibo in 1986.
Fourth National Convention in Maracaibo in 1987.
Fifth National Convention in Cumaná in 1988.
Sixth National Convention in Mérida in 1989.
Seventh National Convention in Caraballeda (Vargas) in 1990.
Eighth National Convention in Maracaibo in 1991.
Ninth National Convention in Puerto La Cruz in 1992.
Tenth National Convention in Porlamar in 1994.
Eleventh National Convention in Mérida in 1995.
Twelfth National Convention in Barquisimeto in 1996.
Thirteenth National Convention in Puerto La Cruz in 1997.
Fourteenth National Convention in Valencia in 1998.
Fifteenth National Convention in Maracaibo in 1999.
Sixteenth National Convention in Caracas in 2000.
Seventeenth National Convention in Valencia in 2002.
Eighteenth National Convention in Maracaibo in 2004.
Nineteenth National Convention in Puerto La Cruz in 2005.
Twentieth National Convention in Maracaibo in 2006.
Twenty-first National Convention in Puerto Ordaz in 2007.
Twenty-second National Convention in Caracas in 2008.
Twenty-third National Convention in Punto Fijo in 2009.
Twenty-fourth National Convention in Maturín in 2010.
Twenty-fifth National Convention in Valencia in 2011 (suspended 10 days before it was set to begin).
Twenty-sixth National Convention in Maracaibo in 2012.
Twenty-seventh National Convention in Puerto La Cruz in 2013.
Twenty-eighth National Convention in Maracaibo in 2014.
Twenty-ninth National Convention in Valencia in 2015.
Thirtieth National Convention in Barinas in 2016.
Thirty-first National Convention in Maracaibo in 2017.

The history of the Druze Cultural Association in Venezuela reflects a spirit of sacrifice and determination to preserve the cultural identity and communication among members of the Druze community in this country. It is hoped that the association will continue to achieve its goals and contribute to preserving the Druze heritage in Venezuela in the coming years.