Colonization and Independence of Syria: From Ottoman Rule to the French Mandate and Beyond

Syria is a country with one of the largest displacement crises in the world with 13.8 million people displaced as of June 2024 both inside and outside the country. It is worth looking at Syria’s history before Assads came to power as it is significant to its modern history. Here’s an overview of the main phases:

Colonization under the Ottoman Empire (1516–1918)

Syria was part of the Ottoman Empire for over four centuries. During this period, it did not exist as a separate political entity but was divided into several provinces (vilayets) under Ottoman rule. The Ottoman Empire’s influence on Syrian society, economy, and culture was substantial, but there was also local autonomy in some areas.

World War I and the End of Ottoman Rule (1914–1918)

During World War I, Arab leaders, inspired by nationalist movements, sought independence from Ottoman rule. The Sharif of Mecca, Hussein bin Ali, led the Arab Revolt (1916–1918), with British support, hoping to establish an independent Arab kingdom.

French Mandate (1920–1946)

After the Ottoman Empire’s defeat in World War I, the secret Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916 between Britain and France divided the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire into spheres of influence. The San Remo Conference in 1920 formalized these plans, and Syria was placed under French mandate by the League of Nations.

Key developments under the French mandate:

• 1920: France crushed the short-lived Arab Kingdom of Syria, which had been declared under King Faisal I, at the Battle of Maysalun.
• French rule and resistance: France imposed direct control, which sparked several nationalist uprisings, including the Great Syrian Revolt (1925–1927), led by Syrian nationalists.
• State structure: The French divided the mandate into smaller administrative regions, trying to weaken Arab unity by creating minority-dominated states (e.g., Alawite and Druze regions).

Independence (1946)

After World War II, pressure from Syrian nationalists and the broader geopolitical shift toward decolonization forced France to withdraw. In April 1946, the last French troops left Syria, marking the country’s formal independence.

Post-Independence

• Syria’s post-independence era was marked by political instability, including a series of military coups between 1949 and 1963.
• In 1958, Syria briefly united with Egypt to form the United Arab Republic under President Gamal Abdel Nasser, but Syria withdrew in 1961.
• The Ba’ath Party eventually came to power in 1963, setting the stage for decades of authoritarian rule, culminating in Hafez al-Assad’s presidency (1971–2000) and later his son Bashar al-Assad.

Syria’s journey to independence was marked by resistance against colonial powers, strong nationalist movements, and enduring political challenges resulting in the status quo.