Political survival of Sünnism in Syria in the post-Ottoman era (1920-1970): Haznevi School and Syrian Muslim Brotherhood

In this study, the exit strategies developed by Sunnism, which has an important place in the literature of religion and politics, to protect its political survival in Syria between 1920-1970 are examined. In doing this, the theoretical framework of the Selectorate theory is used. The argument of this study is that the Sunnis, who were excluded from the political arena in the first periods of the French mandate, were included in the political field with their successful exit strategies and their political survival until 1963. In the period when it was excluded, it continued its existence as a social movement instead of being in the political arena and protecting its interests. This situation allowed it to become stronger and increase Its capacity in the social field. By 1928, Sunnis supported the National Bloc, by adopting a cooperative strategy with other rivals. This cooperation was one of the main factors that facilitated Syria's independence. Sunnism, as a political party, continued its political survival by gaining representation in the parliament, albeit in a limited number, between the years 1947-1963, when there were military coups. It could not maintain its survival in the post-1963 period due to not having sufficient effect on the Syrian army and the internal divisions it experienced.