Subhi Bey Barakat

Subhi Bey Barakat, born in 1889, was a prominent Turkish-born Syrian politician who made significant contributions to the political landscape of Syria during the early twentieth century. He served as the first president of Syria from 1922 until his resignation in 1925, a period marked by the complexities of the French Mandate, which saw France exerting control over the region.

Barakat's presidency was notable not only for his leadership but also for his role as the fourth prime minister during his tenure. His candidacy for the presidency was supported by the French, who viewed him as a non-threatening figure due to his background; being neither a native of Damascus nor a strong Arabic speaker, with Turkish as his mother tongue, he was perceived as less likely to challenge French authority.

Initially, Barakat was an ally of Ibrahim Hanano in the revolt against French rule. He played a crucial role in the unification of the States of Aleppo and Damascus into a single state, showcasing his commitment to the political cohesion of Syria. However, his presidency came to an end in 1925 when he resigned in protest against the French government's stance on the Alawite and Druze States, which they refused to incorporate into Syria, fearing it would jeopardize the independence of the newly established Lebanon.