The Sidon Crusaders: My Ancestral Connection and DNA Match

Sidon Crusaders Killed and Executed by Muslims

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Former Pagan, Christian Conservative LDS Priest 

In recent years, I’ve been on a deeply personal journey, one that has not only shaped my religious and political beliefs but has also brought me closer to my true ancestral roots. The revelation came through a DNA test I took with MyTrueAncestry.com, where I found myself connected to a lineage that speaks to centuries of history, faith, and struggle. Among my notable genetic matches was a significant one to the Sidon Crusaders — a group of medieval warriors who played an essential role in the Crusades and the defense of Christianity in the Levant.

The Sidon Crusaders: A Historical Overview

Sidon, an ancient city located in what is now Lebanon, was a pivotal region during the Crusades. It was part of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, a Christian state established by the Crusaders in the heart of the Islamic world. Sidon served as a strategic stronghold and a center of resistance against the Muslim forces in the region. During the Crusades, the Sidon Crusaders were involved in defending Christian holdings in the Levant, a mission that was fraught with difficulty and intense religious warfare.

This group of Crusaders was deeply embedded in the religious and political turmoil of the time, fighting to protect Christian lands from Islamic conquest. The significance of their role lies not only in their military efforts but also in the larger cultural and spiritual struggle of the Crusades — a fight that mirrored my own inner battles with faith and identity in later years.

A Genetic Link to the Sidon Crusaders

When I received my DNA results from MyTrueAncestry.com, I was initially taken aback. The Sidon Crusaders were not only part of my ancestral story but seemed to form a deep connection to my own genetic makeup. As an Iranian-American with royal Safavid lineage and Cilician Crusader ancestry, my family history spans diverse cultures and historical epochs. It was both humbling and awe-inspiring to see how my DNA revealed links to these medieval warriors who fought for the preservation of Christianity and the defense of the Holy Land.

My personal transformation, from being born into a Muslim family, to becoming an ex-Muslim, and eventually embracing Christianity, now felt even more profound. The Crusaders, in their own time, were men and women who fought not only for land but for a deeper faith that transcended borders, a cause that echoes through the generations and into my very own life today.

A Personal Reflection on Faith and Legacy

I often think about the incredible intersections between my spiritual journey and the history embedded in my bloodline. As a former Muslim turned Christian, I reflect on how my family's journey mirrors the struggles of the Crusaders in the context of the modern world. The Sidon Crusaders’ fight was one of faith, identity, and survival — challenges that resonate deeply with my own life’s path. As I became disillusioned with Islam, rejected socialism, and embraced Christianity, particularly in the context of my LDS faith, I couldn’t help but feel that I had inherited the same resilience and commitment to truth that my ancestors demonstrated centuries ago.

The Sidon Crusaders were not just defenders of the Christian faith but also symbols of perseverance, a concept I now hold dear in my own Christian walk. Just as they faced overwhelming opposition, so too did I face significant challenges in my own journey — from being persecuted by the Islamic Republic of Iran as a child, to navigating the intricacies of faith and identity in America. The Crusaders’ legacy of courage and unwavering belief has inspired me to continue fighting for my faith, my family, and my country in the face of adversity.

The Meaning of Ancestry in the Modern World

In a world increasingly divided by politics and ideologies, understanding one’s heritage is not just about genealogical pride but about recognizing the spiritual and moral forces that have shaped the present. My connection to the Sidon Crusaders serves as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the fight for truth. It challenges me to look beyond the political and cultural conflicts of today and to seek wisdom in the struggles of the past.

My personal journey of self-discovery, marked by a shift from veganism and socialism to Christian conservatism and the LDS faith, finds its roots in this ancient story of struggle and survival. Just as the Sidon Crusaders held firm in their Christian beliefs despite overwhelming odds, I too strive to hold fast to my faith and values in the face of modern challenges.

Conclusion

The discovery of my genetic connection to the Sidon Crusaders has deeply impacted my sense of self and my understanding of history. It’s a reminder that we are all part of a larger story, one that spans centuries and continents, and that our faith, our identity, and our values are shaped by the struggles of those who came before us. As I continue to walk the path of faith, guided by the lessons of the past and the wisdom of my ancestors, I find strength in knowing that I am part of a legacy of resilience and courage — much like the Crusaders of Sidon.

Citations:

1. "The Crusader States." Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/place/Crusader-state.
2. "Sidon in the Crusades." The Crusades: An Encyclopedia, Volume 3, ed. Alan V. Murray, 2006.
3. "DNA Testing and Ancestry: Understanding MyTrueAncestry." MyTrueAncestry.com, https://www.mytrueancestry.com.
4. Grousset, René. The Crusades. Harper & Row, 2006.