Alawites
The Alawites, also known as Alawis (ʿAlawīyyah Arabic: عَلَوِيَّةٌ) are an 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 Shi'ism during the 9th century. They live mainly in Syria but also have a presence in neighboring countries Lebanon and Turkey. They initially branched out of the Twelver school however they differ greatly from the Twelvers as they believe in the divinity of Ali. 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.
A map of French Mandate states in 1921–22. The Alawite State is in purple.
One form of the flag of the Sanjak of Latakia or Alawite State in northwest Syria under French colonial rule, ca. 1920–1936.
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
Syrian actress Fadwa Souleimane became one of the most recognized faces of the Syrian Revolution.
January 2025: Turkish politician Tülay Hatimoğulları gives a speech about anti-Alawite violence in Syria at the Shrine of Khidr.
An Alawite man in Latakia, early 20th century.
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