Syrian states during the French Mandate (Wikipedia) The Alawite State
In 1920, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the French got the job to administer Syria. Following the principle of divide and conquer they decided to split the country up in several states.
After a few years it appeared that the states didn't prosper, so most of them ended up in a Syrian federation culminating in the Syrian state we know today. Except Lebanon, they refused to be part of Syria and remained independend, and the Sanjak of Alexandretta, which was grabbed by Turkey.
The Alawite State (after 1930: State of Latakia) incorporated a majority of
Alawites, a branch of Shia Islam. The capital was the port city of
Latakia. After heavy pressure by the better organized
Sunni minority they joined the Syrian Federation in 1938.
The distribution of Alawites (Wikipedia).
The French departed Syria in 1946. The domination of the Syrian army by Alawite recruits resulted in Alawites securing high military and government positions. Former president Hafez Asad and his son Bashar, the current president, are of Alawite descent.
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