Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, marking the end of centuries of Turkish occupation. The French Mandate served as the administration formed by the League of Nations, granting France control to administer and govern Syria and Lebanon (1920-1946).

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Etat des Alaouites (The Alawite State) was formally declared along the coastal region of Syria. Formed by both tribal and intellectual visionaries, among its prominent figures was Jaber Abbas (Chief of the Khayyatin tribe and feudal Lord). He was awarded the title "Effendi" by the Ottomans, and awarded "Medaille d'Honneur" (Medal of Honour) by the French. Despite cooperation with the former Ottoman rulers, Jaber Abbas saw a better future for the coastal region. Independence, self-governance- was the path to survival and renewal. 

Leadership in the new state came from both Alawite and Rum (Greek Orthodox) notables. Serving on the board of administration in Latakia, he guide governance and secured recognition for the Alawites alongside the prominent Rum leaders Ishaq Masri and Nicola Bashoura, members of the States council ensuring Orthodox representation in governance. Collectively, little is known of them-their history is largely fragmented, under-recorded and in many ways erased. Beyond politics, they are remembered for their efforts in building schools, promoting education and lifting the Rum and Alawites from the centuries of Ottoman neglect. 

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The State was officially born on September 2, 1920 and the flag of the Alawites was first raised in Latakia. Bearing the emblem of the Vergina Sun-a symbol shared and mutual to both the Rum and Alawite communities, authentic to the coastal heritage. In that moment, the flag declared to the world that the people of the coast were the heirs of Alexander's hellenic legacy. In the choice of a name, the community abandoned the Ottoman imposed slur "Nusayri" and embraced the name "Alaouite" meaning, "The Enlightened One". The state lived as a separate and independent entity for sixteen years, before being unified into Syria in 1936. 

Vital in the unification was the role of the Alawite-Saleh al-Ali, the renowned commander who had risen in defiance of Ottoman tyranny. Though initially supportive of a separate Alawite state, he later aligned with the unitarian as-Arab nationalism began to rise. Alongside him stood a broad coalition of figures from across Syria's mosaic, the Greek Statesman Fares al-Khoury, Minister of War Yusuf al-Azma, the Druze Sultan Pasha al-Atrash (whos name became immortal in the Great Syrian Revolt), the Kurdish Ibrahim Hananu and first Syrian President post-independence, Shukri al-Quwatli. 

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Today the coast, confronts the same existential threats and persecution once pressed upon its ancestors. In the past, the minorities who held the choice of division turned toward unification-a Syria for all, hoping it would bring equality in their shared nationalism. Yet, history has shown that their sacrifice has not shield from the renewed persecution. The falsehood of "Arabism" as a unifying cloak has withered, while Islamism has risen in its place. The Alawites, whos ancestors held the golden opportunity of independence- forsake it and fought for unity. The Alawite who has served the nation, and called themselves Syrian-is not recognized as a Syrian, but persecuted as an Alawite.