THE NUSAIRIS OF LATAKIA IN OTTOMAN ARCHIVE DOCUMENTS (19th CENTURY)

In this study, Nusairis who lived in Latakia were studied. In the study the source of which consisted of Ottoman archive documents, the relationship of Nusairis with the central and rural governments were sought. Latakia Nusairis caused some problems to the Empire and neighbour countries. They did not pay their taxes and also, constantly caused troubles by frequently attacking the villages in the surrounding. It is seen that, towards the ends of the 19(th) century almost all Nusairis quitted their old beliefs and adopted Sunni Islam. Ottoman State led them to adopt Sunni Islam by opening schools in Latakia against the schools of missionary in the area. Afterwards, the empire founded some schools and mosques to teach them the principles of Islam. However, since the project was not successfully directed and First World War broke out, the expected outcomes could not be reached.