Modern history of Syria

Throughout history, Damascus was famous for its trade, culture, intellect, and religious. It was built on an oasis and is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement on the world.

From 1515 to 1918 Syrian was part of the Ottoman Empire. Syrian came under a French mandate in 1920 after Turkey’s defeat in World War I. France administered Syria until its independence in 1946. During its first decades the country suffered from political instability and therefore experienced a series of military coup.

During World War II, Syria was briefly controlled by the Pro-German Vichy French regime, before being occupied by joint British and Free French invasion force.

Three years after independence in1946, Syria’s new civilian government was overthrown and in 1963, after a succession of military coups and a brief union with Egypt (1958-61) the Arab Socialist Baath Party took over.

In November 1970 the power was seized by the military wing of the Baath party, led by Lt. Gen. Hafiz al-Assad, a member of the Alawite community. Assad became president in March 1971 and continued as head of state until his death in 2000.
Modern history of Syria