The Alawite Dynasty is a ruling family in Syria, primarily associated with the Alawite sect of Shia Islam. The dynasty came to power in 1970 when Hafez al-Assad, an Alawite military officer, led a coup d'état. His rule established a strong centralized government and emphasized the role of the Alawite community in Syrian politics. After Hafez al-Assad's death in 2000, his son Bashar al-Assad succeeded him, continuing the family's leadership. The Alawite Dynasty has faced significant challenges, particularly during the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, leading to widespread conflict and humanitarian crises in the region.