Syrian Alawites

The Alawites have historically occupied a marginalized position within the socio-religious hierarchy of Syria. This marginalization has profoundly influenced their sociopolitical strategies and identity. The rise of the Ba’ath Party and the subsequent ascendancy of Hafez al-Assad in the 1970s marked a significant pivot in the Alawite fortunes. The regime’s consolidation of power not only provided political protection to the Alawites but also sparked tensions with Sunni majorities, leading to sectarian division exacerbated by the ongoing civil conflict.

Today, the Alawite community’s political alignment with the Assad regime fosters a milieu of both solidarity and strife. This allegiance is often perceived through the lens of survival, as the community fears retribution and loss of status should the regime falter. Consequently, the Alawites find themselves navigating a treacherous landscape fraught with both external and internal pressures.

4. Cultural Identity and Community