Al-Assad family

The Assad Family: A Century of Power in Syria

Imagine a family that has ruled over a nation for more than four decades. That’s exactly what the Assad family did with Syria, starting from 1971 until December 8, 2024, when Bashar al-Assad was ousted. How did this family manage to maintain such a long and powerful grip on power? Let’s dive into their history.

The Origins of the Assad Family

It all began with Ali Sulayman al-Wahsh, who changed his last name to al-Assad in 1927. This change was not just a simple name alteration; it marked the beginning of a legacy that would shape Syria’s political landscape for decades. Ali was known as a local mediator and politician, respected for his strength and marksmanship. He married twice, having eleven children with two wives: Sa’ada and Na’isa.

The Rise to Power

Hafez al-Assad, the father of Bashar, took over in 1970 through a coup d’état. He quickly established a patronage network that loyalized the Ba’ath party elites, ensuring his family’s control over the economy and promoting corruption. His rule was marked by a cult of personality; he was referred to as the ‘Immortal Leader’ and the ‘al-Muqaddas (‘Sanctified One’).’ After Hafez’s death in 2000, his son Bashar inherited this legacy, continuing the Assad dynasty’s reign.

The Cult of Personality

Under both Hafez and Bashar, the regime promoted a cult of personality. Official propaganda hailed them as symbols of hope and leadership. But this wasn’t just about personal adoration; it was about consolidating power through a narrative that identified Syrian nationhood with the Assad dynasty.

The Syrian Civil War

Opposition to the Assad family’s rule began to coalesce in 2011, leading to the Syrian Civil War. This conflict lasted for years and saw the Assad regime facing significant challenges from various opposition groups. On December 8, 2024, Bashar al-Assad was reported to have fled Damascus, marking the end of his rule.

The Alawite Sect and Sectarian Loyalty

The Assad family’s rule is deeply intertwined with the Alawite sect. They have traditionally used sectarian loyalty as a key component in legitimizing their dynastic rule since coming to power in 1970. During the 1950s and 1960s, Syrian Alawites became influential in the Syrian Armed Forces and Ba’ath party.

State Propaganda and Control

The state propaganda efforts are designed to consolidate the notion of ‘Assad’s Syria’ and secure compliance from the masses. Observers view this as a strategy for identifying Syrian nationhood with the Assad dynasty, leading to the de-emphasis on Syrian identity and criminalizing critiques of the regime.

Economic Liberalization and Corruption

The policies of economic liberalization implemented during the 2000s worsened corruption. Businesses and relatives close to the Assad family benefited from these outcomes, leading to apoliticism among citizens. However, the rise of internet and satellite channels, as well as civil society groups and independent political activists, have increasingly challenged the state monopoly on information.

The Shabiha and Psychological Warfare

The Assad regime has promoted a new national discourse based on unifying Syrians under ‘a single imagined Ba’athist identity’ and Assadism. Fervently loyalist paramilitaries known as the Shabiha deify the Assad dynasty through slogans such as “There is no God but Bashar!” and pursue psychological warfare against non-conformist populations.

The Family Tree

Hafez al-Assad (1930–2000) was President of Syria from 1971 to 2000. He was married to Anisa Makhlouf and had a son, Bashar, who succeeded him as president. Other family members include:

• Bashar al-Assad (born 1965), the current president
• Bassel al-Assad (1962–1994)
• Majd al-Assad (1966–2009)
• Maher al-Assad (born 1967), commander of the Republican Guard and leader of the Presidential Guard
• Jamil al-Assad (1932–2004)

Hafez’s wife, Anisa Makhlouf, was First Lady of Syria. His son, Bashar, married Asma al-Assad, a former investment banker, and they have three children together.

Other Family Members

Rifaat al-Assad (born 1937) is also part of the family tree. Other relatives include:

• Namir al-Assad established Shabiha with Rifaat al-Assad in the 1980s.
• Adnan al-Assad led ‘Struggle Companies’ militia in Damascus.
• Gen. Shafiq Fayadh was commander of the 7th Mechanized Infantry Division and 3rd Armored Division, reported incapacitated due to a heart attack.

The list goes on, with many other relatives playing significant roles in maintaining the Assad family’s grip on power.

The Assad family’s legacy in Syria is a complex and multifaceted one. From their origins as local mediators to their rise to power through political maneuvering, the Assads have left an indelible mark on Syrian history. Their rule was marked by both stability and conflict, with the family using various means to maintain control over the nation.