State of Damascus
The State of Damascus (French: État de Damas; Arabic: Dawlat Dimashq) was a short-lived political entity established during the interwar period. It existed from 1920 to 1925 as part of the French Mandate for Syria and Lebanon, a period of colonial administration following the San Remo conference of 1920 and the collapse of King Faisal's brief monarchy in Syria.
Established by French General Henri Gouraud, the State of Damascus was one of six distinct states created by the French authorities to manage the region. These included the State of Aleppo, the State of Alawites, the State of Jabal Druze, the Sanjak of Alexandretta, and the State of Greater Lebanon—the latter of which evolved into the modern nation of Lebanon.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Timeline: Existed from 1920 to 1925.
- Founder: Established by French General Henri Gouraud.
- Capital: Damascus.
- First President: Haqqi Al-Azm.
- Territory: Included Damascus, Homs, Hama, and the Orontes river valley.
- Political Evolution: Transitioned from an independent state to part of the Syrian Federation, and finally into the State of Syria.
Establishment and Territorial Disputes
The State of Damascus was officially declared on September 3, 1920. Its geography encompassed the city of Damascus and its surrounding hinterlands, extending to include the cities of Homs and Hama, as well as the fertile Orontes river valley.
However, the state's borders were a source of significant tension. During the transition from the Ottoman Vilayet (an administrative district), four Qada's (sub-districts) were detached from Damascus to help form the State of Greater Lebanon. This territory, which corresponds to present-day south Lebanon and the Biqa' valley, was primarily inhabited by Muslims. Both the local population and the government in Damascus protested this separation throughout the mandate period, consistently demanding the return of these lands.
The Path to the State of Syria
The administrative structure of the region shifted frequently under French rule. On June 28, 1922, General Gouraud announced the creation of the Syrian Federation, which merged the states of Damascus, Aleppo, and the Alawite state. This federation was a step toward consolidation, though it remained unstable; for instance, the Alawite State separated again in 1924.
The evolutionary process concluded on January 1, 1925, when the Syrian Federation was officially reorganized into the State of Syria.
Demographics and Population
According to a French census conducted between 1921 and 1922, the State of Damascus had a diverse population totaling 595,000 inhabitants. The population was predominantly Sunni Muslim, though it hosted significant Christian and minority communities.
| Religion | Inhabitants | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Sunni | 447,000 | 75.1% |
| Christians | 67,000 | 11.3% |
| Foreigners | 49,000 | 8.2% |
| Twelvers | 9,000 | 1.5% |
| Ismailis | 8,000 | 1.3% |
| Jews | 6,000 | 1.1% |
| Alawis | 5,000 | 0.8% |
| Druzes | 4,000 | 0.7% |
| Total | 595,000 | 100% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who established the State of Damascus?
The state was established by French General Henri Gouraud on September 3, 1920, following the San Remo conference and the end of King Faisal's monarchy.
What territories were lost to the State of Greater Lebanon?
The State of Damascus lost four Qada's (sub-districts) that had previously been part of the Ottoman Vilayet of Damascus. These areas now correspond to south Lebanon and the Biqa' valley.
Who was the first president of the State of Damascus?
The first president of the state was Haqqi Al-Azm.
How did the State of Damascus become part of the State of Syria?
It first joined the Syrian Federation in 1922 along with the states of Aleppo and the Alawite state. This federation eventually became the State of Syria on January 1, 1925.
What was the primary religious composition of the state?
The population was majority Sunni Muslim, making up 75.1% of the 595,000 inhabitants according to the 1921-22 census.