Paper short abstract:

This presentation will analyze Druze reincarnation experiences in the aftermath of the Lebanese Civil War (1975- 1991) analyzing how such experiences work to reformulate questions of communal memory, violence and trauma amongst the generation of Druze youth born in the conflict's wake.

Paper long abstract:

Based on extensive fieldwork conducted amongst the generation of Druze born after the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1991) who believe themselves to be the reincarnation of specific people killed during the conflict, either as combatants or civilians, this presentation will seek to better understand how such 'memories' and experiences of trauma help influence the way the war and the violence of the war is memorialized, processed and understood by the wider community. The Druze are a heterodox Islamic community based in the Middle East and global diaspora who believe in reincarnation. According to Druze folklore those who die a violent or sudden death are more likely to remember their past lives thus creating a direct link between violent trauma and so-called past life experiences. This presentation will attempt to bridge the gap between study of reincarnation as a religious phenomenon and the growing body of research surrounding communal trauma and memory in relation to war in general and the Lebanese Civil War in particular. (Hagubolle, 2010; Mermier and Varin, 2010; Rabah, 2020) The presentation will also seek to understand how relationships created through reincarnation experiences exist in a state of cooperation and competition with other forms of Druze identity including Druze sectarianism. Following this the presentation will finally touch on how reincarnation narratives might work to both harden sectarian lines and/or help foster reconciliation efforts between the Druze and other sectarian communities in Lebanon.