Who are Alawite’s community in Syria? A little about Tartus

Introduction

Bashar al-Assad was indeed an Alawite. The Alawites are a minority religious group in Syria, and the Assad family, including Bashar al-Assad, belonged to this community.

Alawite Background

Alawites are an ethnoreligious group primarily living in the Levant region, following a sect of Islam that split from early Shia Islam in the ninth century. They make up about 10-13% of Syria’s population and have a complex religious background that incorporates elements from various belief systems.

Assad Family and Alawite Connection

The Assad family’s rule in Syria was closely tied to their Alawite identity

Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s father, came to power in 1970 as the first Alawite to become head of state in Syria.

Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father in 2000 and continued the family’s rule until 2024.

The Assad regime often portrayed itself as a protector of Syria’s minorities, including the Alawites.

Religious Practices and Public Image

Despite being Alawite, Bashar al-Assad often presented a more mainstream Muslim image:

He was known to pray publicly in the Sunni way.

The Assad regime built mosques in Alawite areas and encouraged more orthodox Islamic practices among Alawites.

This was partly an effort to downplay differences between Alawites and the Sunni majority in Syria.

History

Alawites are concentrated in several Syrian cities, with the highest concentrations found in the coastal region. The main cities with significant Alawite populations.

Latakia

Latakia is the largest coastal city in Syria and has a majority Alawite population. It is considered one of the main strongholds of the Alawite community.

Tartus

Tartus, another coastal city, has the highest percentage of Alawites among all Syrian cities, with approximately 80% of its population being Alawite.

Jableh and Baniyas

These coastal towns also have majority Alawite populations.

Other Notable Areas

Homs

The third-largest city in Syria has a significant Alawite minority, constituting about 25% of the population.

Damascus

While not a majority, there is a sizeable Alawite community in the capital city, as many Alawites moved there since the 1960s to join the army or civil service.

It’s important to note that while Alawites are concentrated in these urban areas, their ancestral heartland is in the coastal mountain region known as the Nusayri Mountain range. Additionally, there are Alawite communities in the eastern countryside of Homs and Hama.

Religious background of Alawite

The Alawites are a unique religious group with a complex theological background that blends elements from various traditions. Here are the key aspects of their religious background:

Origins and Development

Alawism emerged in the 9th-10th centuries in Syria, founded by Ibn Nusayr, a disciple of the tenth and eleventh Shia Imams.

The sect was later organized by al-Khaṣībī, who died in Aleppo around 969 CE.

Alawites were historically known as Nusayris, after Ibn Nusayr, but this term was abandoned due to its negative connotations.

Core Beliefs

Alawites believe in the absolute unity and transcendence of God, who is considered indefinable and unknowable.

They venerate Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, as a divine manifestation of God.

Alawites believe in a divine Trinity, comprising three aspects of the one God.

They accept the main tenets of Islam but interpret them in unique ways.

Distinctive Features

Alawism incorporates elements from Islamic, Gnostic, neo-Platonic, and Christian practices.

Alawites believe in reincarnation and that souls can inhabit various bodies, including animals.

They practice their faith privately, with few outward expressions.

Alawites observe additional tenets beyond the main pillars of Islam, including “jihad” (struggle) and “waliya” (devotion to Imam Ali and his family).

Relationship to Other Faiths

While sharing some similarities with Shia Islam, Alawite theology differs significantly in several ways.

Alawites have historically kept their beliefs secret from outsiders, leading to misconceptions and rumors.

In recent decades, there has been a movement towards aligning Alawite practices more closely with mainstream Shia Islam.

Cultural Practices

Alawites traditionally do not have mosques and prefer to worship in private or outdoors.

They incorporate wine into their rituals and do not require women to wear headscarves.

Alawites celebrate some non-Islamic holidays, including Christmas and the Zoroastrian new year.

The Alawite faith remains a subject of scholarly debate, with ongoing efforts to understand and classify its complex theological system within the broader context of Islamic and Middle Eastern religious traditions.

Alawite

the Alawite population in Syria is estimated to be between 1.7 million and 2.4 million people, representing approximately 10-13% of Syria’s total population

Tartus region

Tartus is indeed a tourist destination, particularly for domestic Syrian tourists and increasingly for international visitors as well. The city offers several attractions that make it worth visiting:

Historical Sites

Tartus boasts a rich history, with attractions like the Crusader-era Tartus Castle and the former Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, now serving as the National Museum of Tartus.

Coastal Appeal

As a major port city on the Mediterranean coast of Syria, Tartus is a popular summer vacation spot for many Syrians. The city features numerous beach hotels and resorts along the coastline.

Arwad Island

Just off the coast of Tartus lies Arwad, the only inhabited island in Syria. Visitors can take a short boat ride to explore the island and its ancient citadel.

Old City

The historic center of Tartus contains buildings from various periods, including Phoenician, Islamic, and Crusader eras. Wandering through the old town allows visitors to experience the city’s layered history.

Museums

The city houses several museums, including the National Museum of Tartus, which exhibits antiquities recovered from the region.

Natural Attractions

Nearby sites like the Temple of Amrit and the town-resort of Drekish offer additional points of interest for tourists.

Cultural Events

Tartus hosts various cultural and literary events, art festivals, and theater performances, particularly during the summer months.

Tartus Today

Recent clashes in Tartus were between Syrian security forces and remnants of the ousted Assad regime.

On December 26, 2024, 14 Syrian police officers were killed in an ambush by forces loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad in Tartus governorate.

The SNA has been primarily involved in fighting against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria, particularly around areas like Manbij, Kobani, and the Tishreen Dam.

Israel has conducted airstrikes on military targets in Tartus. On December 16, 2024, Israel launched strikes on missile depots and air defense systems in the Tartus region.

There have been tensions and negotiations between the new Syrian government (led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) and Russia regarding the Russian naval base in Tartus.

Conclusion

While Tartus may not be as internationally renowned as some other Syrian cities, it offers a blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions that make it an appealing destination for those interested in exploring Syria’s coastal region.