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Beyond Bashar al-Assad: 12 things you need to know about the Alawis

Published August 13th, 2015 - 07:00 GMT

Last week, in a fit of unbridled road rage, Suleiman al Assad – a young cousin of Syrian president Bashar al Assad – shot and killed an air force colonel over a traffic dispute. The murder of Hassan al Shaikh kicked off three days of demonstrations in the Syrian seaside city Latakia, and flung this – the hometown of the Assad clan and a regime stronghold throughout the five-year civil war – Alawi-hot spot on the map. Is this the start of a new Syrian splintering?

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that more than 1,000 protesters bearing pictures of Shaikh filled Latakia streets calling for the execution of Suleiman Assad. (State media - likely conflicted - didn't report the traffic incident, the shooting, nor the demonstrations.)

A pivotal port town

Latakia is home to a large 'minority' of Alawis, also known as Alawites, (Alawīyyah, in Arabic: علوية‎), the branch of Shia Islam to which the ruling Assad clan belongs. The sect comprises roughly 12 percent of the country's 22 million people. They’ve steadfastly supported Assad against the mainly Sunni Muslim insurgents, but opposition activists now point to growing dissent, pinning it on government corruption and the high death toll of Alawi civilians and fighters (estimated in the tens of thousands - that’s nearly a third of their young men).

An investigative report filed last April by the Telegraph stated Alawis increasingly perceive that they are tools of the regime, trapped between jihadists who view them as apostates, and a corrupt authority that assured them the war would be easily won.

Is this symptomatic of fracturing support from Assad’s staunchest backers?

Abe Lincoln, who knew a bit about bloody civil war, famously quipped, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Let’s take a closer look at this religious ruling minority that can potentially unravel the Assad regime.

 
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Founded in the 9th century, Alawi later split into confederations, then tribes. It also divided into Turkish and Arab wings, each with unique beliefs. Followers traditionally live along Syria’s mountainous Mediterranean coast, concentrated around Latakia and in pockets near Hama and Homs. (Image: NordNordWest and Supreme Deliciousness)

Founded in the 9th century, Alawi later split into confederations, then tribes. It also divided into Turkish and Arab wings, each with unique beliefs. Followers traditionally live along Syria’s mountainous Mediterranean coast, concentrated around Latakia and in pockets near Hama and Homs. (Image: NordNordWest and Supreme Deliciousness)

Sunnis accuse Alawis of watering down Islamic doctrine with dollops of Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and Christianity (adopting Christian names, celebrating Christmas, and worshiping at Mass). It’s a close cousin to Druze, with many tenets viewed as blasphemous.(Image: Beirut 2012 meeting of Pope Benedict with Alawi and Sunni religious leaders.)

Sunnis accuse Alawis of watering down Islamic doctrine with dollops of Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and Christianity (adopting Christian names, celebrating Christmas, and worshiping at Mass). It’s a close cousin to Druze, with many tenets viewed as blasphemous.(Image: Beirut 2012 meeting of Pope Benedict with Alawi and Sunni religious leaders.)

Suffering centuries of persecution, Alawis tend to conceal their beliefs - adding to the sect's mystical vibe. They believe in an eternal universe, but deny concepts of resurrection and post-death paradise and hell. Instead, they think that we experience punishment or reward in our current lives.

Suffering centuries of persecution, Alawis tend to conceal their beliefs - adding to the sect's mystical vibe. They believe in an eternal universe, but deny concepts of resurrection and post-death paradise and hell. Instead, they think that we experience punishment or reward in our current lives.

Alawis believe in a divine triad representing three aspects of the one God. A basic prayer says, "I turn to the Gate; I bow before the Name; I adore the Meaning". These virtues of "Essence", "Name", and "Gate" each manifest over time into human form. The last incarnations were Ali (Essence), Muhammad (Name) and Salman the Persian (Gate).

Alawis believe in a divine triad representing three aspects of the one God. A basic prayer says, "I turn to the Gate; I bow before the Name; I adore the Meaning". These virtues of "Essence", "Name", and "Gate" each manifest over time into human form. The last incarnations were Ali (Essence), Muhammad (Name) and Salman the Persian (Gate).

They believe in reincarnation, with sinful Alawis reborn as Christians. Infidels (other Muslims, Christians, and Jews) return as animals. But pious Alawis return as new Alawis seven times over, ultimately transforming into celestial stars.

They believe in reincarnation, with sinful Alawis reborn as Christians. Infidels (other Muslims, Christians, and Jews) return as animals. But pious Alawis return as new Alawis seven times over, ultimately transforming into celestial stars.

Unlike their Islamic brethren, Alawis are fine with wine. The consecrated drink is halal, considered the very essence of God (Ali), and drunk during Mass by men only. Grapevines are treated with great respect in their culture.

Unlike their Islamic brethren, Alawis are fine with wine. The consecrated drink is halal, considered the very essence of God (Ali), and drunk during Mass by men only. Grapevines are treated with great respect in their culture.

No wine for the women, and they get no souls either. But lacking inner spirit doesn’t get females off the hook. They don veils and (in Syria) sit separately from men for regular prayers.

No wine for the women, and they get no souls either. But lacking inner spirit doesn’t get females off the hook. They don veils and (in Syria) sit separately from men for regular prayers.

The religion shuns fantastic architecture, you'll find no Hagia Sophia or Masjid al Haram here. Their only religious structures are elaborate sarcophagi in which to entomb their dead. Syrian strife now requires makeshift funerals, but extra efforts are taken to continue above-ground burial.

The religion shuns fantastic architecture, you'll find no Hagia Sophia or Masjid al Haram here. Their only religious structures are elaborate sarcophagi in which to entomb their dead. Syrian strife now requires makeshift funerals, but extra efforts are taken to continue above-ground burial.

Alawites also different from other Muslims in their prayers, foregoing prostration but folding in songs. They practice “taqiyya”, pretending outwardly to be Sunni Muslim while hiding their real beliefs. Not every Alawi fasts, the hijab is not mandated, and some privately eat pork! (This image of Assad alleges he “prays like a Sunni”.)

Alawites also different from other Muslims in their prayers, foregoing prostration but folding in songs. They practice “taqiyya”, pretending outwardly to be Sunni Muslim while hiding their real beliefs. Not every Alawi fasts, the hijab is not mandated, and some privately eat pork! (This image of Assad alleges he “prays like a Sunni”.)

Will the "cousin killing" be the break in Alawi allegiance to Assad? Latakia protesters rallied for days demanding justice for the murdered Shaik. Video posted on social media showed people chanting a demand for Suleiman's execution. State media didn't report these events, but humanitarian watchdog groups are on the ground. Watch this space.

Will the "cousin killing" be the break in Alawi allegiance to Assad? Latakia protesters rallied for days demanding justice for the murdered Shaik. Video posted on social media showed people chanting a demand for Suleiman's execution. State media didn't report these events, but humanitarian watchdog groups are on the ground. Watch this space.

Founded in the 9th century, Alawi later split into confederations, then tribes. It also divided into Turkish and Arab wings, each with unique beliefs. Followers traditionally live along Syria’s mountainous Mediterranean coast, concentrated around Latakia and in pockets near Hama and Homs. (Image: NordNordWest and Supreme Deliciousness)
Sunnis accuse Alawis of watering down Islamic doctrine with dollops of Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and Christianity (adopting Christian names, celebrating Christmas, and worshiping at Mass). It’s a close cousin to Druze, with many tenets viewed as blasphemous.(Image: Beirut 2012 meeting of Pope Benedict with Alawi and Sunni religious leaders.)
Suffering centuries of persecution, Alawis tend to conceal their beliefs - adding to the sect's mystical vibe. They believe in an eternal universe, but deny concepts of resurrection and post-death paradise and hell. Instead, they think that we experience punishment or reward in our current lives.
Alawis believe in a divine triad representing three aspects of the one God. A basic prayer says, "I turn to the Gate; I bow before the Name; I adore the Meaning". These virtues of "Essence", "Name", and "Gate" each manifest over time into human form. The last incarnations were Ali (Essence), Muhammad (Name) and Salman the Persian (Gate).
They believe in reincarnation, with sinful Alawis reborn as Christians. Infidels (other Muslims, Christians, and Jews) return as animals. But pious Alawis return as new Alawis seven times over, ultimately transforming into celestial stars.
Unlike their Islamic brethren, Alawis are fine with wine. The consecrated drink is halal, considered the very essence of God (Ali), and drunk during Mass by men only. Grapevines are treated with great respect in their culture.
No wine for the women, and they get no souls either. But lacking inner spirit doesn’t get females off the hook. They don veils and (in Syria) sit separately from men for regular prayers.
The religion shuns fantastic architecture, you'll find no Hagia Sophia or Masjid al Haram here. Their only religious structures are elaborate sarcophagi in which to entomb their dead. Syrian strife now requires makeshift funerals, but extra efforts are taken to continue above-ground burial.
Alawites also different from other Muslims in their prayers, foregoing prostration but folding in songs. They practice “taqiyya”, pretending outwardly to be Sunni Muslim while hiding their real beliefs. Not every Alawi fasts, the hijab is not mandated, and some privately eat pork! (This image of Assad alleges he “prays like a Sunni”.)
Will the "cousin killing" be the break in Alawi allegiance to Assad? Latakia protesters rallied for days demanding justice for the murdered Shaik. Video posted on social media showed people chanting a demand for Suleiman's execution. State media didn't report these events, but humanitarian watchdog groups are on the ground. Watch this space.
Founded in the 9th century, Alawi later split into confederations, then tribes. It also divided into Turkish and Arab wings, each with unique beliefs. Followers traditionally live along Syria’s mountainous Mediterranean coast, concentrated around Latakia and in pockets near Hama and Homs. (Image: NordNordWest and Supreme Deliciousness)
Founded in the 9th century, Alawi later split into confederations, then tribes. It also divided into Turkish and Arab wings, each with unique beliefs. Followers traditionally live along Syria’s mountainous Mediterranean coast, concentrated around Latakia and in pockets near Hama and Homs. (Image: NordNordWest and Supreme Deliciousness)
Sunnis accuse Alawis of watering down Islamic doctrine with dollops of Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and Christianity (adopting Christian names, celebrating Christmas, and worshiping at Mass). It’s a close cousin to Druze, with many tenets viewed as blasphemous.(Image: Beirut 2012 meeting of Pope Benedict with Alawi and Sunni religious leaders.)
Sunnis accuse Alawis of watering down Islamic doctrine with dollops of Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and Christianity (adopting Christian names, celebrating Christmas, and worshiping at Mass). It’s a close cousin to Druze, with many tenets viewed as blasphemous.(Image: Beirut 2012 meeting of Pope Benedict with Alawi and Sunni religious leaders.)
Suffering centuries of persecution, Alawis tend to conceal their beliefs - adding to the sect's mystical vibe. They believe in an eternal universe, but deny concepts of resurrection and post-death paradise and hell. Instead, they think that we experience punishment or reward in our current lives.
Suffering centuries of persecution, Alawis tend to conceal their beliefs - adding to the sect's mystical vibe. They believe in an eternal universe, but deny concepts of resurrection and post-death paradise and hell. Instead, they think that we experience punishment or reward in our current lives.
Alawis believe in a divine triad representing three aspects of the one God. A basic prayer says, "I turn to the Gate; I bow before the Name; I adore the Meaning". These virtues of "Essence", "Name", and "Gate" each manifest over time into human form. The last incarnations were Ali (Essence), Muhammad (Name) and Salman the Persian (Gate).
Alawis believe in a divine triad representing three aspects of the one God. A basic prayer says, "I turn to the Gate; I bow before the Name; I adore the Meaning". These virtues of "Essence", "Name", and "Gate" each manifest over time into human form. The last incarnations were Ali (Essence), Muhammad (Name) and Salman the Persian (Gate).
They believe in reincarnation, with sinful Alawis reborn as Christians. Infidels (other Muslims, Christians, and Jews) return as animals. But pious Alawis return as new Alawis seven times over, ultimately transforming into celestial stars.
They believe in reincarnation, with sinful Alawis reborn as Christians. Infidels (other Muslims, Christians, and Jews) return as animals. But pious Alawis return as new Alawis seven times over, ultimately transforming into celestial stars.
Unlike their Islamic brethren, Alawis are fine with wine. The consecrated drink is halal, considered the very essence of God (Ali), and drunk during Mass by men only. Grapevines are treated with great respect in their culture.
Unlike their Islamic brethren, Alawis are fine with wine. The consecrated drink is halal, considered the very essence of God (Ali), and drunk during Mass by men only. Grapevines are treated with great respect in their culture.
No wine for the women, and they get no souls either. But lacking inner spirit doesn’t get females off the hook. They don veils and (in Syria) sit separately from men for regular prayers.
No wine for the women, and they get no souls either. But lacking inner spirit doesn’t get females off the hook. They don veils and (in Syria) sit separately from men for regular prayers.
The religion shuns fantastic architecture, you'll find no Hagia Sophia or Masjid al Haram here. Their only religious structures are elaborate sarcophagi in which to entomb their dead. Syrian strife now requires makeshift funerals, but extra efforts are taken to continue above-ground burial.
The religion shuns fantastic architecture, you'll find no Hagia Sophia or Masjid al Haram here. Their only religious structures are elaborate sarcophagi in which to entomb their dead. Syrian strife now requires makeshift funerals, but extra efforts are taken to continue above-ground burial.
Alawites also different from other Muslims in their prayers, foregoing prostration but folding in songs. They practice “taqiyya”, pretending outwardly to be Sunni Muslim while hiding their real beliefs. Not every Alawi fasts, the hijab is not mandated, and some privately eat pork! (This image of Assad alleges he “prays like a Sunni”.)
Alawites also different from other Muslims in their prayers, foregoing prostration but folding in songs. They practice “taqiyya”, pretending outwardly to be Sunni Muslim while hiding their real beliefs. Not every Alawi fasts, the hijab is not mandated, and some privately eat pork! (This image of Assad alleges he “prays like a Sunni”.)
Will the "cousin killing" be the break in Alawi allegiance to Assad? Latakia protesters rallied for days demanding justice for the murdered Shaik. Video posted on social media showed people chanting a demand for Suleiman's execution. State media didn't report these events, but humanitarian watchdog groups are on the ground. Watch this space.
Will the "cousin killing" be the break in Alawi allegiance to Assad? Latakia protesters rallied for days demanding justice for the murdered Shaik. Video posted on social media showed people chanting a demand for Suleiman's execution. State media didn't report these events, but humanitarian watchdog groups are on the ground. Watch this space.
Tags:Bashar Al AssadHassan al ShaikhAbe Lincoln

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