A Brief Overview of Syrian History

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Ancient Civilizations:

Syria is one of the oldest regions of civilization in the world, home to many great civilizations that contributed to human progress. Cities such as Ebla and Ugarit emerged as significant cultural and trade centres, with Ugarit playing a crucial role in the development of the earliest known alphabet.

Bronze and Iron Ages:

Syria witnessed the rise of the Arameans, whose language became a widespread commercial lingua franca. The region also came under the control of powerful empires, including the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians.

Hellenistic and Roman Periods:

Syria was conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 BC and later came under the rule of the Seleucid Empire, followed by Roman control in 64 BC. Cities like Antioch and Palmyra flourished, becoming vital economic and cultural centers.

Medieval Era:

Following the Islamic conquest in 636 AD, Damascus became the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, later falling under Abbasid and Mamluk rule. The region was also a key battleground during the Crusades.

Religious and Ethnic Diversity in Syria

Syria is known for its vast religious and ethnic diversity:

• Sunni Muslims (majority) – Predominantly in major cities.

• Alawites (10-12%) – Concentrated in the coastal regions, playing a key political role since 1970.

• Christians (8-10%) – Found in Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs, with a significant cultural and economic influence.

• Druze (3%) – Mostly in As-Suwayda, enjoying relative autonomy.

• Shiites – A small minority in Damascus and its suburbs, gaining influence after 2011.

• Kurds (10-15%) – Mainly in northeastern Syria, advocating for autonomy.

• Assyrians and Syriacs – A minority preserving their cultural heritage in Al-Hasakah and Qamishli.

• Armenians – Primarily in Aleppo, known for their cultural and commercial presence.

• Turkmen – A small community near the Turkish border, active in the Syrian conflict.

This diversity reflects Syria’s long history of coexistence and cultural exchange.

Syria Under French Mandate (1920-1946)

After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Syria was divided under the Sykes-Picot Agreement, and the French Mandate was officially imposed following the San Remo Conference (1920).

Administrative Divisions:

The French established several statelets based on sectarian divisions, including:

• State of Damascus

• State of Aleppo

• Alawite State

• Druze State

• Sanjak of Alexandretta

• Greater Lebanon

Resistance and Independence:

Syrians strongly opposed the mandate, leading to the Great Syrian Revolt (1925) under Sultan Pasha al-Atrash, forcing France to reconsider its policies.

In 1936, an independence treaty was signed but never fully implemented. In 1939, Turkey annexed Alexandretta (Hatay) with French approval, sparking lasting Syrian resentment.

During World War II, Syria was a military base until it declared independence in 1941. After public and international pressure, French forces withdrew completely on April 17, 1946—a day now celebrated as Evacuation Day.

Post-Independence Era (1946-1963)

Syria faced continued political instability, including:

• The 1948 Arab-Israeli War, in which Syria held its positions in the Golan Heights.

• A series of military coups starting in 1949, led by Husni al-Za'im, Sami al-Hinnawi, and Adib al-Shishakli.

• A growing alliance with the Soviet Union in the 1950s, increasing tensions with Turkey and the West.

• The United Arab Republic (UAR) with Egypt (1958-1961), which collapsed after a 1961 coup.

The First Baathist Government

The Baath Party seized power in March 1963, a month after the Baathist coup in Iraq. The new government sought a union with Egypt and Iraq, signing an agreement in April 1963 for a referendum on unity. However, deep disagreements led to the collapse of the plan.

Efforts to form a Syrian-Iraqi union also failed in November 1963 after the Baathist government in Iraq was overthrown.

In May 1964, President Amin al-Hafiz issued a temporary constitution, establishing a National Revolutionary Council as a legislative body and an executive Presidential Council.

The Second Baathist Government (1966-1970)

On February 23, 1966, a radical faction within the Baath Party led a successful internal coup, known as the "First Corrective Movement." Key figures included:

• Salah Jadid – The mastermind behind the coup, effectively ruling Syria behind the scenes.

• Hafez al-Assad – Then commander of the Air Force, later appointed Minister of Défense, using the position to consolidate power.

• Abd al-Karim al-Jundi – Head of internal security, enforcing strict Baathist rule.

• Muhammad Umran – A key player in the coup, later exiled and assassinated in Lebanon (1972).

This coup solidified the radical wing’s dominance, marginalizing Baathist moderates like Michel Aflaq and Amin al-Hafiz. However, internal power struggles persisted, leading to another coup in 1970, when Hafez al-Assad seized control, marking the beginning of his long rule.

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