Alawites
The Alawites, also known as Alawis (ʿAlawīyyah Arabic: عَلَوِيَّةٌ) are an Arab ethnoreligious group who live primarily in the Levant particularly in the coastal regions or the areas near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Alawism is a sect which branched out from Shia Islam during the 9th century. They live mainly in Syria but also have a presence in neighboring countries Lebanon and Turkey. They follow a branch of the Twelver school of Shia Islam. Alawites worship Ali, and the name "Alawi" means followers of Ali. Alawites are also called Nusayris although this term has been considered derogatory.
Alawites Media
An Alawite falconer photographed by Frank Hurley in Baniyas, Syria during World War II.
One form of the flag of the Sanjak of Latakia or Alawite State in northwest Syria under French colonial rule, ca. 1920–1936.
A map of French Mandate states in 1921–22. The Alawite State is in purple.
An Alawite woman gleaning in 1938
The Assad family. Hafez al-Assad and his wife, Mrs Anisa Makhlouf. On the back row, from left to right: Maher, Bashar, Basil, Majid, and
Alawites celebrating at a festival in Baniyas, Syria during World War II.
An Alawite man in Latakia, early 20th century.
Alawi women in Syria, early 20th century
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