Emir Fakhr al-Din (1572-1635) is a high figure in the history of the Eastern end of the Mediterranean in the 17th century. Within the Ottoman Empire

Introduction

Emir Fakhr al-Din (1572-1635) is a high figure in the history of the Eastern end of the Mediterranean in the 17th century. Within the Ottoman Empire divided in vilayets themselves subdivided into sandjaks,he succeeded in setting up a powerful proto-state entity, embracing what, in the 20th century, would become Lebanon along with some of the surrounding regions. He took advantage of the wars waged by the Ottoman Empire to extend his power and set up the administrative structures he needed. A Druze by faith, he secured the support of the Maronites whose protection he guaranteed. He established relations with Europe, notably signing with Florence an accord the trading nature of which concealed secret articles dealing with military issues. His policies aroused Ottoman fears and they organised a campaign against the Emir, jailed him prior to execution in Constantinople on 13 April 1635. The episode belongs in the context of a Druze revolt spanning two centuries (16th – 17th): it was concluded on the death in 1697 of Ahmad Ma'an who left no male heir.

Map of the Ottoman Empire

The Emir's reign stretches over a long period of time but historians cannot avail themselves of writings he authored – whether decrees or correspondence – that could give an insight on a conception of power according to Fakhr al-Din. The Ottoman archives have but scarce information to impart. There are allusions to the emir of Safed (illustration pending authorisations) but his role in the revolt is not highlighted. The loyalty of the Emir towards the Sultan is also what emerges from two chronicles reporting on the relationships of Fakhr al-Din with the communities extent within the emirate as well as with foreign powers. The first is Ahmad al-Khalidi al-Safadi who became close to the Emir when the latter's renown grew; having earned his confidence he was entrusted with several missions and with committing the facts to paper. His Works include the chronicle of the years 1021-1043 of Hijra (1612-1624) ; the dispute between the emir and Hafiz Ahmed Pasha ; the exile of Fakhr al-Din in the Italian peninsula (1613) then his return in 1618; his victories over his opponents, particularly the routing of Yusuf Sayfa,pasha of Tripoli. The second chronicler is Estephan el Douaihy, former pupil of the Maronite College in Rome, polyglot, theologian, liturgist, apologist upholding the orthodoxy of his community, prolific writer who had his writings translated into Latin. He has left us several books two of which touch on the reign of the emir: a History of the Maronite Community and The Annals of the Great Patriarch Estephan El Douaihy also known as History of the Centuries.