The Nusayri Leader Isma'il Khayr Bey and the Ottomans (1854-58)

摘要

Isma'il Khayr Bey was an outstanding chief of the Matawira Nusayri/'Alawi tribe which during a short time succeeded in controlling a large heterogeneously populated region and gained himself a prestigious title as 'governor of the mountain'. Though the Nusayris admired Isma'il for his courage they suffered from his oppressive rule. The local Muslim inhabitants of the mountain detested the fact that their governor was a Nusayri. The Ottomans were alarmed by Isma'il's growing status in the region and decided to put an end to his rule. The fact that Nusayri society lacked internal solidarity helped the Ottomans achieve their goal. Ultimately, Isma'il was killed by his own uncle.