Ata Bey Al-Ayyubi Syrian politician, President of Syria Date of Birth: 01.01.1877 Country: Syria

1. Tahsin al-Ayyoubi: A Syrian Political Figurehead
2. Early Life and Career
3. Role in the Nationalist Movement
4. Collaboration with French Mandate
5. Prime Minister and Minister Under Independence
6. Later Years

Tahsin al-Ayyoubi: A Syrian Political Figurehead

Born into a prominent political family, Tahsin al-Ayyoubi rose to become a key figure in Syrian politics.

Early Life and Career

Trained in public administration and social sciences in Istanbul, al-Ayyoubi began his career in the Ottoman Empire. In 1908, he was appointed governor of Latakia.

Role in the Nationalist Movement

After the Ottoman Empire's defeat in World War I, al-Ayyoubi returned to Damascus in 1918. As Minister of the Interior from July 1920, he tacitly supported nationalist rebels and facilitated the smuggling of weapons to their camps. He survived an assassination attempt in August 1920.

Collaboration with French Mandate

Despite French colonial rule, al-Ayyoubi remained in pro-French cabinets. From 1922 to 1925, he served as Minister of Justice. In 1928, he engaged in secret negotiations with the nationalist National Bloc while maintaining French trust. Throughout the 1930s, he acted as an intermediary between the two parties.

Prime Minister and Minister Under Independence

In March 1934, al-Ayyoubi became Minister of Justice once more. After tensions between France and the National Bloc culminated in a general strike, al-Ayyoubi was chosen by French High Commissioner Damien de Martel to form a government in 1936. Following Syria's independence in 1936, he announced an agreement with France and ended the strike. He subsequently resigned.

Later Years

In March 1943, al-Ayyoubi briefly served as Prime Minister after Allied forces defeated the Vichy regime in Damascus. He handed over power to President Shukri al-Quwatli and retired from active politics.