In 1932, Anton Sa’ada founded the “Syrian Social Nationalist Party.” This party aimed to form a united state of Syrians. The catastrophic conditions that Greater Syria experienced during World War I significantly influenced the formation of the principles of Syrian nationalism.
Syria, like other Arab countries, was affected by the propaganda of Arab nationalism. A group of Syrians, influenced by Western developments, took on the responsibility of promoting nationalism. The ideas of these individuals spread and became influential in the government structure, especially with the emergence of parties that represented this ideology.
Nationalism in Algeria
Algerian nationalism, one of the most intense and longest-lasting movements in history, had its roots in the French colonial dictatorship. The French ruled Algeria for 132 years (1830–1962), systematically destroying the country’s Arab and Islamic culture. The French colonial rule in Algeria imposed comprehensive control over all cultural, religious, and social activities of the indigenous Muslim population.
The first sparks of Algerian nationalism arose largely from the catastrophic situation of the indigenous people. Although Wilson’s ideals (such as the right of nations to self-determination) influenced the thinking of young Algerians, the Russian Revolution and the founding of the French Communist Party in 1920 had the greatest influence on the formation of the Algerian nationalist movement.
Messali Hajji (known in other sources as “Massali Hajji”), founder of the Algerian nationalist movement and leader of the “Star of North Africa” movement, was a prominent member of the French Communist Party. As the first nationalist organization in Algeria, this party played an important role in the formation and guidance of the country’s liberation movements.
Nationalism in Iraq
The Arab nationalist movement in Iraq expanded under various influences and in line with developments in the Arab world. The initial core of Arab nationalism in Iraq was formed among Sunni Arabs who had studied in modern Ottoman schools in the second half of the 19th century.
One of the prominent figures in the creation of Arab nationalism in Iraq was Faisal bin Hussein Sharif. To strengthen this ideology, he invited Sateh al-Hasri, an Arab thinker and nationalist, to Iraq to formulate cultural policies and manage educational affairs. Al-Hasri’s role in the development of nationalist concepts in Iraq is undeniable.
Nationalism in Lebanon
Lebanon was considered one of the important centers of Arab nationalist activities. Most of these nationalists were Christians who had graduated from the American University of Beirut, and they invited young Muslims to join them in furthering their goals. They began their activities by creating organizations and associations, giving lectures, and presenting articles.
Lebanese nationalists, who were largely Maronite Christians, consider Emir Fakhreddin (ruler of Lebanon from 1593 to 1633) to be the founder of new Lebanese nationalism. In addition to controlling present-day Lebanon, he also controlled parts of central Syria and northern Palestine.
Nationalism in Saudi Arabia
The establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 by King Abdulaziz bin Saud created a unique form of nationalism in this tribal country. The foundations of this nationalism were based on two main axes: loyalty to the tribe and the unquestioning acceptance of the political supremacy of the Al Saud family. These two axes complemented one another. Traditional Saudi nationalism took the form of the triple slogan of “God (Allah), King, and Country.”
Egypt, Syria, and Iraq were the three countries most influenced by nationalist ideals compared to any other Arab country. The wave of nationalism that swept from Europe to the East and the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries crossed the social and political borders of these countries more than any others.
Nationalism in Other Arab Countries
Nationalism in other Arab countries, such as Morocco and Libya, primarily responded to the crises and problems caused by colonialism. The people of these countries turned to this movement to confront colonial domination.
“The division and occupation of Arab lands by colonialism and the spread of Western culture led the Arabs to combine the struggle against Western ideology with political and economic struggle. They considered the influence of Western culture a threat to Arab identity. The spread of nationalism in Islamic lands, especially Arab lands, was the result of a conspiracy by Zionist Jews, with the help of colonialism.”
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