Al-Assad family facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Al-Assad Familyعَائِلَة الْأَسَد ʿāʾilat al-ʾAsad |
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The al-Assad family, c. 1993. Front: Hafez al-Assad and his wife, Anisa Makhlouf. Rear, left to right: Maher, Bashar, Bassel, Majd, and Bushra al-Assad
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| Current region | Latakia |
| Place of origin | Syria |
| Members | Hafez al-Assad Bashar al-Assad Maher al-Assad Rifaat al-Assad |
| Connected families | Makhlouf, Shalish |
The al-Assad family is a well-known family in Syria. They have been in charge of the country for a long time. This began when Hafez al-Assad became the President of Syria in 1971.
He set up a government where he and his political party, the Ba'ath Party, had strong control. After Hafez al-Assad passed away in 2000, his son Bashar took over as president.
Contents
The Assad Family: Leaders of Syria
The al-Assad family has played a very important role in Syria's history. They have led the country for over 50 years. This makes them one of the most powerful families in the region.
Their leadership has shaped many events in Syria. Understanding their background helps us learn about the country.
Where the Family Comes From
The Assad family originally comes from a town called Qardaha. This town is located in north-west Syria, near Latakia. They are part of a smaller religious group called the Alawite sect. They also belong to a specific tribe known as the Kalbiyya tribe.
The family name "Assad" was adopted in 1927. Before that, their last name was different. A man named Ali Sulayman (1875–1963) changed his family name to al-Assad. In Arabic, "al-Assad" means "the lion." He might have chosen this name because he was a respected leader in his community. He was known for helping to solve problems between people.
All members of the larger Assad family today are related to Ali Sulayman. They are also related to his second wife, Naissa. She came from a village in the An-Nusayriyah Mountains.
Family's Role in Government
Family connections are very important in Syrian politics. Many close relatives of Hafez al-Assad have held important jobs in the government. This started when he first came to power. It continued even after he passed away.
These family members have often been given powerful positions. This shows how strong family ties are in the country's leadership.
Images for kids
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President Hafez al-Assad with his family in the early 1970s. Left to right: Bashar, Maher, Anisa Makhlouf, Majid, Bushra, and Bassel
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Rifaat al-Assad and Hafez in the early 1980s
See also
In Spanish: Familia Ásad para niños
