Sultan Pasha Al-Atrash
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| Sultan Pasha Al-Atrash | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1891 Al-Qrayya, Syria |
| Died | March 26, 1982 Al-Qrayya, Syria |
Al-Atrash, Sultan Pasha (1891-1982) (Arabic: سلطان باشا الأطرش) Syrian Druze revolutionary and national leader, General commander of the Syrian revolt of 1925 – 1927 against France, one of the most famous Druze characters throughout the modern history.
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[edit] Family heritage and early life
Sultan Pasha Al-Atrash was born in Al-Qrayya, Sweida, Syria in a Druze family. His father Zuqan Ben Mustapha Bin Ismail II, a social leader and revolutionist, he led a fierce battle near Al-Kafir in 1910, a famous battle against Sami Pasha Farouqi, which was launched by the Ottoman Empire at Druze Mountain to take control of it. He was later executed by the Ottomans by hanging because of the rebellion in 1911. His mother is Sheikha bint Sultan Ismail II.
[edit] Role in the Arab Revolt
Sultan al-Atrash spend his military service in Romania, Since his return he kept contact with Arab movements in Damascus, So al-Qrayya became a refuge and stronghold of fleeing from the Turkish attending the Arab revolt in Aqaba.
Sultan Al Atrash was the first to raise the flag of the Arab revolt in whole of Syria. He raised the flag on Salkhad castle and on his own house. He was at the forefront of the rebels who entered Damascus in 1918, after he raised the Arab flag over Damascus (in Al-Marjah Square) upon its liberation On September 29, 1918. King Faisal I gave him the Title of (Amir: Prince) in 1916 for his courage, also he gave him the title of General in Arab army, which is the equivalent of the title of Pasha: (old Turkish title).
[edit] The Syrian Revolt of 1925-1927:
[edit] Early conflicts:
In July 1920, Sultan al-Atrash prepared a large forces to meet the French in Meisaloun, but he arrived too late after the defeat of Arab army and death of the commander Joseph al-Azmah who was the Minister of Defense.
[edit] First Revolution:
His first revolution against French was On July 7, 1922, after French soldiers assault local traditions of protecting foreigners , when they arrested (Adham Khanjar), a Sunni Muslim who was taking Al-Atrash's house as a refuge while al-Atrash was absent from his home, Khanjar was accused of attempting to assassinate General Goro. Al-Atrash men battled the French soldiers after this accident, Then Al-Atrash flee to the Syrian Al-Badiah (North-east Syria) after French had destroyed his house. Al-Atrash came back to Druze Mountain two years later; he has won a great popularity.
[edit] The launch of the Syrian Revolution
In 1925 revolution started in Druze Mountain to include the whole Syria and part of Lebanon. Unanimously, leadership was assumed to Sultan Pasha Al-Atrash, This revolution is considered one of the most important revolutions against the French mandate because it included the whole Syria and contained fierce battles between the rebels and French forces.
[edit] Causes
One of the direct causes of the revolution the French assault of local traditions and ill-treatment of people. The indirect reasons were the Druze anger on the separation of Druze Mountain from Syria and the bad living conditions under the French mandate.
[edit] Revolution
On August 23, 1925 Sultan Pasha Al-Atrash officially declared revolution against France, and soon Damascus, Homs and Hama attended the revolution, Al-Atrash won many battles against the French at the beginning of revolution. Such battles as Al-Kafir Battle in the July 21, 1925, Al-Mazra'aa Battle in August 2, 1925, and the battle of Salkhad, Almsifarh, Al-Sweida and others. After victories against the French France sent thousands of troops to Syria, Lebanon, equipped with modern weapons, compared to a few supplies of the rebels, which changed the results and made the French regain many cities after fierce resistance lasted until the spring of 1927, The French judged Sultan al-Atrash by execution, But he had escaped with the rebels to the east of Jordan. He later returned to Syria in 1937 after the signing of the Syrian French Treaty. He was met with a huge public reception.
[edit] The Results
- Replacement of High commissioners and military officers in Syria
For example High Commissioner (Serail) was replaced with Mesio (de Jovnil), after repels had attacked Al-Azem Palace in Damascus
- Damascus was under air strike for 24 continuous hours
- France sent one of the most prominent leaders General Gamlan after growing strength of the rebels and the victories.
- Reunification of Syria after divided into four small countries: Damascus, Aleppo, and Alawites Mountain, Druze Mountain
- French had to agree to the holding of elections won by the opposition, led by Ibrahim Hanano, Hashim al-Atasi
[edit] Role after the revolution
Al-Atrash participated actively in the Independence Intifada in 1945, that led to the country's independence. In 1948 he called to establish a unified Arab Army for the Liberation of Palestine, already, hundreds of young people volunteered and went for participation in 1948 war.
During the rule of Al-Shieshkli, Al-Atrash had many harassments because of his opposition to government policy, He left Druze Mountain again to Jordan in December 1954, He came back as Al-Shieshkli regime fall down. Al-Atrash supported the Arab unity between Egypt and Syria in 1958, and firmly refused the process of separation in 1961. Al-Atrash is also known for his contributions to social life and development in Druze Mountain.
[edit] Al-Atrash Popularity:
Sultan Pasha Al-Atrash, is one of the most popular prominent leaders in Arab history and the Syrian, in particular. Atrash had very huge popularity between Druze Al-Atrash these days has many statues in Druze Mountain in main squares in addition to his photos in most houses, Al-Atrash also is widely mentioned in local folklore of poems and popular songs. Atrash is considered by Druze as a symbol of patriotism, courage and secularism. That's because of many reasons :
- Atrash is known for his secularism when he raised the slogan "Religion is for God, nation is for all: (al deen le allah wa al watan le al jamee')" when he led the revolution against the French, which was comprised of rebels belong to many religions. His speeches and publications were entirely devoid of religious symbols.
- Atrash strongly rejected the French offer of the Druze Mountain independency. He demanded a national Syrian unity.
- Known for simple living and humility.
- Atrash refused to accept any political office after independence of Syria in 1946.
5. President Gamal Abdel Nasser honored Sultan Pasha Al-Atrash, During the Syrian Egyptian unity with the highest medal in the United Arab Republic, during his visit to the province Suwayda. 6. In 1970, Syrian President Hafez Al-Assad, Honored Prince Sultan Pasha Al Atrash, for his historic role in the Syrian Revolution.
[edit] The death of al-Atrash
Sultan Pasha Al Atrash, died in March 26, 1982 due to heart attack, His funeral was attended by more than a million people, and the President of Syrian Arab Republic Hafez Al-Assad had issued an individual letter mourning the General Commander of the Syrian Revolution.
