من هم العلويون؟

Summary

The Alawite sect, originally from the mountains of Syria, traces its origins to the Shia Islam tradition, though it was not always considered part of it. Historically known as the Nusayris, their beliefs remain largely mysterious. They are often accused of venerating Imam Ali in a divine form, which led to their persecution. Over time, they sought refuge in the mountains, especially along the Syrian coast and northern Lebanon. The Alawites became politically influential after joining the military, with significant gains under Hafez al-Assad's rule, solidifying their control over the Syrian army. While many Alawites supported the Assad regime, notable figures from the sect, like poet Adonis and philosopher Aref Dalila, have opposed it. The sect's involvement in Syria's civil war has added a sectarian layer to the conflict, particularly with Iranian militias backing Assad's government against a predominantly Sunni opposition.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Alawite sect originates from the mountains and has ties to the Shia Islam sect, but its beliefs and practices are distinct, leading to its alternative name, the Nusayris.
• 😀 The sect has limited information available about its beliefs, with much of it shrouded in mystery.
• 😀 Alawites share some beliefs with Shia Muslims, such as granting exclusive rights to leadership, but they diverge on key issues like the deification of Imam Ali.
• 😀 The Alawites were historically persecuted by both Sunni and Shia Muslims due to their differences, leading them to seek refuge in the mountains of Syria and Turkey.
• 😀 The Alawite population also spread into regions of northern Lebanon, with their strongholds located in areas like the Syrian coast and Hatay province in Turkey.
• 😀 They opposed French colonial rule in Syria, with key leadership coming from figures such as Sheikh Saleh al-Ali, and later achieved semi-autonomous status under French mandate.
• 😀 The Alawites faced social and economic hardships, with some intellectuals eventually advocating for military service as a means of survival and advancement.
• 😀 The military, particularly the Syrian Army, became a major pathway to power for the Alawite community, especially after the Ba'ath Party leadership faltered post-Egypt-Syria union.
• 😀 Hafez al-Assad's rise to power and his military coup led to the entrenchment of Alawite control over the Syrian military, which reshaped the political landscape of Syria.
• 😀 The Alawite community has not been monolithic in its support for the Assad regime; notable opposition figures include intellectuals and public figures like Adonis and Saadallah Wannous.
• 😀 The sect has become a symbol of the sectarian struggle in Syria, particularly after the involvement of Iranian-backed militias in the Syrian Civil War against a Sunni-majority opposition.

Q & A

What is the Alawite sect and how is it related to the Shiite sect?

The Alawite sect is a group that traces its origins to the Shiite branch of Islam but has distinct beliefs. It was initially not considered part of mainstream Shiism. The Alawites share some beliefs with Shiites, like the exclusive right to the caliphate, but they differ significantly in their religious practices.

Why are Alawites sometimes referred to as 'Nusayris'?

The term 'Nusayris' is used to refer to the Alawite sect, a name that stems from their founder. This label has been historically used in a somewhat derogatory manner, as they are considered to diverge from both Sunni and Shiite Islam.

What is known about the Alawite's religious beliefs?

Alawite religious beliefs are shrouded in mystery and limited information. They are often seen as a mix of Islamic, Christian, and pre-Islamic traditions, and there are accusations of them venerating Imam Ali in a way that suggests a divine incarnation, a belief that sets them apart from mainstream Sunni and Shiite beliefs.

What kind of persecution did the Alawites face historically?

Alawites faced military persecution throughout history, especially due to their differing religious views. This led many to retreat to the mountains, where their presence is still concentrated in areas like the Syrian coast, parts of Lebanon, and the Hatay region in Turkey.

How did the Alawite sect respond to French colonial rule?

During the French Mandate in Syria, the Alawites opposed French rule, with key resistance led by figures like Sheikh Saleh al-Ali. Their efforts ultimately resulted in the establishment of an autonomous region for the Alawites, with the city of Latakia serving as its capital.

What was the state of the Alawites before they gained prominence in Syria?

Before their rise to prominence, the Alawites faced significant social and economic decline. They were impoverished, and their attempts to gain recognition were met with limited success. The situation changed after some intellectuals from within the community pushed for reform.

How did joining the military help the Alawite sect gain influence?

Joining the military provided the Alawites with a vital means of survival and upward mobility. It played a crucial role in the consolidation of Alawite power, especially after the military coup led by Hafez al-Assad, who eventually shaped the Alawite-dominated Syrian regime.

How did Hafez al-Assad consolidate Alawite control over the Syrian military?

Hafez al-Assad consolidated Alawite control over the Syrian military after the resignation of major Baathist civilian leaders following Syria's union with Egypt. Assad's coup in 1970 allowed him to purify the military and replace its leadership with loyalists, especially from the Alawite sect.

Was all of the Alawite community loyal to the Assad regime?

Not all Alawites were loyal to the Assad regime. There have been notable figures who opposed Assad, such as the poet Adonis, playwright Saadallah Wannous, and intellectual Aref Dalila, indicating that there was dissent even within the Alawite community.

How has the Syrian conflict taken on a sectarian character involving the Alawites?

The Syrian conflict has become increasingly sectarian, with the Alawites at the forefront of the struggle. The involvement of Iranian militias and forces alongside the Alawite-controlled government has intensified the sectarian nature of the conflict, particularly in relation to the Sunni-majority opposition.