Lebanon Tribes and Clans: Difference between revisions

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==Types of Records==
==Types of Records==
==Information Recorded in the Records==
==Information Recorded in the Records==
Tribal histories and genealogies can contain a variety of data useful for family history researchers. Depending on the type and detail of tribal genealogy, typically include the names of fathers and sons but may exclude wives or daughters. Additionally, these genealogies may not include exact birth or death dates, although background information can often allow the researcher to estimate these data for individuals in the records.
Even without detailed lineages, tribal histories can still be useful for researchers. These records often contain details on tribal origins, migrations and movement, and traditional beliefs and culture.
==Strategy==
==Strategy==
The published works above include information useful for tracing Lebanese tribal lineages. These works include lineages, tribal history, biographies of prominent individuals, poetry, or encyclopedic entries of tribes and their sub-divisions.
The published works above include information useful for tracing Lebanese tribal lineages. These works include lineages, tribal history, biographies of prominent individuals, poetry, or encyclopedic entries of tribes and their sub-divisions.


Some of the resources listed above treat with specific tribes, while others look at groups of tribes. The scope of each resource affects the level of detail it contains on actual individuals and their families. While some books contain detailed genealogies with specific names from generation to generation, others focus more on tribal histories and migrations. The latter type of book can be especially useful for individuals who are unsure of where their ancestors lived, as these can provide information on towns or regions where certain tribes can be found.
As with all genealogical research, start with what you know. If you know your ancestor's tribal affiliation already, search books on that tribe. If not, search for resources on the country or region they or their tribe originate from. Within tribal lineages, search for the names of familiar individuals or places as clues to identify your exact family line.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 14:20, 27 January 2025

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Resources[edit | edit source]

Online Resources[edit | edit source]

Print Publications[edit | edit source]

Background[edit | edit source]

Tribes in Lebanon play a somewhat diminished role in the social structure. While some Lebanese may proudly proclaim their membership in a given tribe, - or clan, as they are more often called there - many Lebanese families are more likely to cite their relationship to one of the ethno-religious communities that define modern Lebanon.

However, tribes and tribal identity are still relevant for many Lebanese. One major historical clan in Lebanon is the Hamadiyeh, which has two main branches: the Zaaitar and the Chamas. The Zaaitar clan can be further divided into the Meqdad, Haj Hassan, Noon, Shreif, and Jaafar, while the Chamas clan is split into the Allaw, Nassereddine, and Dandash. These tribes are concentrated in the Bekaa, Baalbek-Hermel, and Mount Lebanon regions.[1]

Understanding tribal structures can be extremely helpful when conducting family history research in the Middle East. Even if a specific family cannot be traced, there will likely be information on the tribe with which they are affiliated, including genealogies and histories.

Types of Records[edit | edit source]

Information Recorded in the Records[edit | edit source]

Tribal histories and genealogies can contain a variety of data useful for family history researchers. Depending on the type and detail of tribal genealogy, typically include the names of fathers and sons but may exclude wives or daughters. Additionally, these genealogies may not include exact birth or death dates, although background information can often allow the researcher to estimate these data for individuals in the records.


Even without detailed lineages, tribal histories can still be useful for researchers. These records often contain details on tribal origins, migrations and movement, and traditional beliefs and culture.

Strategy[edit | edit source]

The published works above include information useful for tracing Lebanese tribal lineages. These works include lineages, tribal history, biographies of prominent individuals, poetry, or encyclopedic entries of tribes and their sub-divisions.

As with all genealogical research, start with what you know. If you know your ancestor's tribal affiliation already, search books on that tribe. If not, search for resources on the country or region they or their tribe originate from. Within tribal lineages, search for the names of familiar individuals or places as clues to identify your exact family line.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Samaha, Nour, "Meeting the clans of Lebanon," Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2012/8/18/meeting-the-clans-of-lebanon, accessed 23 January 2025.