Introduction
Overview
The Muslim population of Syria is predominantly composed of Sunni Muslims, who form the majority. Additionally, Syria hosts four significant Shii minority sects: Alawis, Druzes, Ismailis, and Twelver Shiis. This composition has shaped the cultural and political landscape of the country for decades.
Historical Context
Secular Regime and Alawi Rule
In March 1963, a military coup brought a secular, socialist regime to power, leading to the rise of Alawi rulers, most notably former president Hafez al-Assad. His son, Bashar al-Assad, succeeded him. The Baathist government sought to reduce the influence of religion in politics and promote economic progress, particularly in rural areas.
Uprisings and Insurrections
Significant challenges to Baathist rule have come from Islamic groups, primarily the Sunni-dominated Muslim Brotherhood. The first major Islamic uprising occurred in 1964 in Hama, followed by other disturbances in 1967. These uprisings, largely urban, stood in contrast to the economically progressive rural areas aligned with Baathist policies.
Sectarian Dynamics
Minority Sect Relations
Syria’s religious minorities, including Druze, Alawis, Christians, and Ismailis, generally had less sympathy for Islamist movements. This divergence ensured varied levels of support for the regime and its policies across different communities.
Violence and Political Repression
Suppression of Insurrections
Between 1979 and 1982, the Syrian government faced severe insurrections by Islamic groups, which were quelled through violent means. The regime under Hafez al-Assad enforced a strict separation of religion from state affairs. The continuity and adaptation of this policy under the current president remain areas of significant interest and debate.
Etymology
- Islam in Arabic: إسلام (Islām)
- Syria in Arabic: سوريا (Sūriyā)
- Islam in Turkish: İslam
- Syria in Turkish: Suriye
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Syria: The Making and Unmaking of a Refuge State” by Dawn Chatty
- “The Struggle for Power in Syria: Politics and Society under Asad and the Ba`th Party” by Nikolaos van Dam
- “The Shia Revival: How Conflicts Within Islam Will Shape the Future” by Vali Nasr
- “The Muslim Brotherhood: Evolution of an Islamist Movement” by Alison Pargeter
- “Syria: The Fall of the House of Assad” by David W. Lesch
Key Takeaways
- The Muslim population in Syria is predominantly Sunni with significant Shii minorities.
- The Baathist regime, established in1963, installed a secular and socialist framework, aimed at separating religion from politics.
- Key uprisings from Islamic factions primarily rooted in Sunni dissent have been a recurring element of modern Syrian history.
- The regime’s policies have fostered economic development in rural areas and secured the support of religious minorities against Islamist movements.
Conclusion
The interplay between religion and politics in Syria highlights the complexities of governing a nation with diverse sectarian affiliations. The tension between secular governance and religious aspirations remains a decisive factor in Syria’s historical and contemporary landscape. Understanding these dynamics is essential for appreciating both the challenges and progress within the Syrian state.
