Various Species of Spermophagus (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) in the Hungarian Natural History Museum

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Various Species of Spermophagus (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) in the Hungarian Natural History Museum See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264992721 Various species of Spermophagus (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) in the Hungarian Natural History Museum, ARTICLE · JANUARY 2011 CITATION READS 1 30 1 AUTHOR: Alex Delobel Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle 132 PUBLICATIONS 603 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Available from: Alex Delobel Retrieved on: 15 January 2016 ANNALES HISTORICO-NATURALES MUSEI NATIONALIS HUNGARICI Volume 103 Budapest, 2011 pp. 1–10 Various species of Spermophagus (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) in the Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest A. DELOBEL 47, avenue Paul Langevin, F-92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France. E-mail: [email protected] – Eighteen species of Spermophagus SCHOENHERR, 1833 collected in Ghana, Iran, South Africa, Syria, Taiwan, and Thailand by several expeditions of Hungarian ento- mologists and deposited in the Hungarian Natural History Museum are listed. Spermopha- gus arcis sp. n. is described from Western Syria; is assigned to the S. sericeus species-group. One species (S. borowieci ANTON, 1996) is recorded for the first time from Iran, three spe- cies (S. caricus DECELLE, 1982, S. confusus BOROWIEC, 1986, S. pubiventris BAUDI, 1886) from Syria, one species (S. ruandanus BOROWIEC, 1991) from South Africa, and three species (S. albosparsus GYLLENHAL, 1833, S. ligatus CHEVROLAT, 1877, S. sinensis PIC, 1918) from Thailand. With 3 figures. – Coleoptera, Bruchinae, new species, new record, Ghana, Iran, South Africa, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand. INTRODUCTION The study of a small collection of Bruchinae collected in various re- gions of Africa and Asia collected by Hungarian entomologists was kindly entrusted to me by the coleopterists of the Hungarian Natural History Mu- seum (HNHM). It contains several interesting specimens of Spermophagus SCHOENHERR, 1833, an account of which is given below, together with de- scription of a new species. Annls hist.-nat. Mus. natn. hung. 103, 2011 2 A. Delobel Spermophagus abdominalis FÅHRAEUS, 1871 Spermophagus abdominalis FÅHRAEUS, 1871: 110; BOROWIEC 1991: 19. Material examined – 1 male. Ghana: (1) Eastern region, Atewa Range, swept, 19–23. III.2009, E. KONDOROSY. Spermophagus albosparsus GYLLENHAL, 1833 Spermophagus albosparsus GYLLENHAL, 1833: 110; BOROWIEC 1991: 26. Material examined –2males.Thailand: (1) Trang Prov., Ton Pan waterfall, W of Ban Navong, swept and singled, 26.XI.2003, A. OROSZ &GY.SZIRÁKI; (1) Nan Prov., above Mae Charin waterfall, 7–8.XI.2004, M. FÖLDVÁRI, A. OROSZ & L. PAPP. Remark – Described from India; new for Thailand. sp. n. (Figs 1–3) Material examined – Holotype, male: : “Syria occ., muh. Al Ladqiyah, Salah ad Din Citadel, 360 m, N 35°35.828’, E 36°03.278’, 21.VI.2006, A. Kotán” (HNHM); dissec- ted, genitalia on cardboard in dimethyl hydantoin formaldehyde resin. Description – Male (Fig. 1). Body stout, 1.8 times longer than wide, pygidium approxi- mately vertical. Integument entirely black, including posterior tibial spines and base of an- tennae. Vestiture made of thin and short, whitish setae, not hiding underlying integument, apparently homogeneous (vestiture of the holotype missing at places); no particular ar- rangement of setae on ventrites nor legs. Head short; eyes transverse, head hardly wider than width behind eyes; eyes separated by 0.2 times head width including eyes; face long and narrow, with distance between posterior rim of eyes and apex of clypeus per distance between eyes 2.6; labrum slightly longer than distance between eyes; eye cleft to about 2/3 of its length, width at bottom of sinus composed of 4–5 ommatidia; no carina on frons, no interocular tubercule. Punctation of face thin and dense, coarser on clypeus (except nar- row apical strip); clypeus subrectangular, with apex straight, labrum smooth and shining. Antenna submoniliform, extending 0.54 times body length; segments 2 to 4 equal in length, cylindrical, 8-10 slightly widened apically, but never wider than long, 11 oval (L/W = 1.8). Length ratio of antennomeres: 1.8; 1; 1; 1; 1.4; 1.6; 1.6; 1.8; 1.8; 1.8; 2.9. Pronotum transverse, with greatest width at base (W/L = 2.3), its lateral carina strong, regularly convex. Punctures on disc small and dense, with larger, stronger, oval punctures la- terally and posteriorly. Elytra as long as their combined width, their sides convex, maximum Annls hist.-nat. Mus. natn. hung. 103, 2011 Various species of Spermophagus in the HNHM (Coleoptera: Bruchinae) 3 width before middle. Striae on disc distinctly punctate, intervals with dense microsculp- ture and micropunctation, without larger punctures. Hind femora moderately incrassate, latero-ventral margin with deep and narrow preapical notch; lateral carina of hind tibia almost entirely serrate, dorsolateral carina obsolete, dorsomesal and ventral carinae com- plete; dorsal apical denticles acute, mesal and lateral spines sharp, of approximately equal length. Claws with well developed basal tooth. Abdomen with ventrite 5 emarginate. Last visible abdominal tergite subtriangular, 1.1 times wider at base than long, with apex turned under; its surface with large, flat punctures, coalescent at places, and smaller punctures. Genitalia: Median lobe (Fig. 2) of moderate length (maximum width excluding basal hood/total length = 0.16); basal hood wide, not emarginate; ventral valve strongly sclero- tized laterally, bearing numerous sensilla, its apex triangular; dorsal valve sclerotized, ogi- val, pointed, much narrower than ventral valve; internal sac basally with minute needles, followed by a pair of weakly granulose strands; saccus smooth, medially with a zone lined with sensillae. Basal strut with small keel; basal plate (Fig. 3) subcircular, with minute nee- dles; lateral lobes elongate, parallel-sided, slightly widened apically, strongly pigmented except at apex; apex with strong recurved setae (10 on outer margin, 8 on inner margin). Length: 2.0 mm; width: 1.4 mm. Female. Unknown. 1 2 3 Spermophagus arcis sp. n.: 1 = body outline, 2 = median lobe, 3 = lateral lobes Annls hist.-nat. Mus. natn. hung. 103, 2011 4 A. Delobel Etymology – Genitive form of latin feminine noun arx, meaning citadel, a reference to the citadel of Salah Ed-Din near Al Haffah in Western Syria, where the holotype was collected. Comparative remarks – S. arcis sp. n. is distinct from most known Spermophagus spe- cies by the colour of hind tibial spines. Black tibial spines are found only in the West Palae- arctic sericeus group that includes S. sericeus GEOFFROY, 1758, S. calystegiae LUKJANOVITCH et TER-MINASSIAN, 1957 and S. altaicus KARAPETJAN, 1973 (BOROWIEC 1991), and also in darker specimens of the East Mediterranean S. pubiventris BAUDI, 1886. It shares with other members of the group, not only black tibial spines, but also tarsal claws with large basal tooth, serrate lateral carina of hind tibia, and median lobe without sclerites. In BOROWIEC’s keytotheworldspeciesofSpermophagus, this species would run to S. calystegiae. The strong- ly pigmented, elongate and almost parallel-sided lateral lobes are, however, particularly distinctive. Spermophagus borowieci ANTON, 1996 Spermophagus borowieci ANTON, 1996: 481. Material examined – 1 male. : (1) Kohgiluye and Boyer Ahmad, Mts Zagros, Va- rag, 2400 m, N 30°30.127’, E 51°42.387’, 26.IV.2008, beating and sweeping, T. HÁCZ,K. SZÉKELY & K. VIG. Remark – Described from Pakistan; new for Iran. Spermophagus calystegiae LUKJANOVITCH et TER-MINASSIAN, 1957 Spermophagus calystegiae LUKJANOVITCH et TER-MINASSIAN, 1957: 193; BOROWIEC 1991: 35. Material examined – 3 (1 male, 2 females). : (1) muh. Dimashq, 15 km S. Da- mascus, 630 m, N 33°08.491’, E 36°18.519’, 18.IV.2005, N. RAHMÉ,A.MÁRKUS,A.KOTÁN &A.PODLUSSÁNY; (1) prov. Tartus, 18 km W of Masyaf, Al Qadmus, 1001 m, 26.V.2007, I. ROZNER; (1) muh. Dara’a, Borsa, 850 m, N 32°30.989’, E 36°28.977’, 18.IV.2005, N. RAHMÉ, A. MÁRKUS, A. KOTÁN & A. PODLUSSÁNY. Remark – It is a seed predator of Calystegia sepium and C. soldanella from Western Europe to Northern Africa and Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tadzhikistan). Also reared from C. althaeoides in Spain (YUS RAMOS 2007) Annls hist.-nat. Mus. natn. hung. 103, 2011 Various species of Spermophagus in the HNHM (Coleoptera: Bruchinae) 5 Spermophagus caricus DECELLE, 1982 Spermophagus caricus DECELLE, 1982: 31; BOROWIEC 1991: 37. Material examined – 1 male. : (1) muh. Ladhqiyah, Mts Aqra, 10 km S. Kasab, 550 m, N 35°51.464’, E 35°58.735’, 22.VI.2006, N. RAHMÉ,A.KOTÁN,A.MÁRKUS,D. SZALÓKI & K. SZÉKELY. Remark – Described from Turkey, reported from Rhodos Island, Lebanon, Iran, Uzbekistan. Recorded for the first time in Syria. Spermophagus confusus BOROWIEC, 1986 Spermophagus confusus BOROWIEC, 1986: 163. Material examined – 6 (3 males, 3 females). : (5) muh. Al Ladhqiyah, 10 km S. Kasab, N 35°51.464’, E 35°58.735’, 540 m, 23–24.IV.2005, N. RAHMÉ,A.PODLUSSÁNY,A. MÁRKUS &A.KOTÁN; (1) muh. Homs, Mts Antsariya, Crac des Chevaliers, 655 m, 27.VI.2006, N 34°45.256’, E 36°17.726’, 27.VI.2006, N. RAHMÉ,A.KOTÁN,A.MÁRKUS,D. SZALÓKI & K. SZÉKELY. Remark – Described from Georgia, it is a seed predator of Calystegia sepium and Con- volvulus arvensis in South-eastern Europe and Turkey (BOROWIEC 1991). First record for Syria. Spermophagus endrodii BOROWIEC, 1986 Spermophagus endrodii BOROWIEC, 1986: 201; BOROWIEC 1991: 55. Material examined – 2 males. : (2) Pretoria, ARC Campus, Rami Camp, malaise trap, 9.XII.2003, I. MIKÓ & G. MELIKA. Spermophagus kuesteri SCHILSKY, 1905 Spermophagus kuesteri SCHILSKY, 1905: 4. Material examined – 22 (17 males, 5 females). : (12) muh. Dara’a, Borsa, 850 m, N 32°30.989’, E 36°28.977’, 18.IV.2005, N. RAHMÉ,A.MÁRKUS,A.KOTÁN &A. PODLUSSÁNY; (1) muh. Al Ladhqiyah, 10 km S. Kasab, N 35°51.471’, E 35°58.731’, 540 m, 23–24.IV.2005, N. RAHMÉ,A.PODLUSSÁNY,A.MÁRKUS &A.KOTÁN; (1) muh. Ladh- qiyah, Mts Aqra, 10 km S. Kasab, 550 m, N 35°51.464’, E 35°58.735’, 22.VI.2006, N.
Recommended publications
  • “No One's Left” Summary Executions by Syrian Forces in Al-Bayda
    HUMAN RIGHTS “No One’s Left” Summary Executions by Syrian Forces in al-Bayda & Baniyas WATCH “No One’s Left” Summary Executions by Syrian Forces in al-Bayda and Baniyas Copyright © 2013 Human Rights Watch All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-62313-0480 Printed in the United States of America Cover design by Rafael Jimenez Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We stand with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and to bring offenders to justice. We investigate and expose human rights violations and hold abusers accountable. We challenge governments and those who hold power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law. We enlist the public and the international community to support the cause of human rights for all. Human Rights Watch is an international organization with staff in more than 40 countries, and offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Berlin, Brussels, Chicago, Geneva, Goma, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, Nairobi, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Tunis, Washington DC, and Zurich. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.hrw.org SEPTEMBER 2013 978-1-62313-0480 “No One’s Left” Summary Executions by Syrian Forces in al-Bayda and Baniyas Maps ................................................................................................................................... i Summary ..........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Why Are Warm-Water Ports Important to Russian Security?
    JEMEAA - FEATURE Why Are Warm- Water Ports Important to Russian Security? The Cases of Sevastopol and Tartus Compared TANVI CHAUHAN Abstract This article aims to examine why Russia’s warm-water ports are so important to Russian security. First, the article defines whatsecurity encompasses in relation to ports. Second, the article presents two case studies: the Crimean port of Sevasto- pol and the Syrian port of Tartus. This article proves that warm-water ports are important to Russian security because they enable Russia to control the sea, proj- ect power, maintain good order, and observe a maritime consensus. Each of these categorical reasons are then analyzed in the Crimean and Syrian context. The re- sults are compared in regional perspective, followed by concluding remarks on what the findings suggest about Russian foreign policy in retrospect, as well as Russian security in the future. Introduction General discourse attribute ports with a binary character: commercial or naval. However, the importance of ports is not limited to those areas alone. Security in the twenty- first century has come to constitute multidimensional relationships, so this article will approach the importance of warm- water ports for security by us- ing the broad concept of maritime security, rather than naval security alone. Previ- ously, the maritime context covered naval confrontations and absolute sea control, but today, scholars have elaborated the maritime environment to include security missions spanning from war and diplomacy to maritime resource preservation, safe cargo transit, border protection from external threats, engagement in security operations, and preventing misuse of global maritime commons.1 Thus, maritime security has crucial links to political, economic, military, and social elements.
    [Show full text]
  • IMPRISONED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SYRIA Amnesty
    IMPRISONED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SYRIA Amnesty International is deeply concerned at the continued detention without charge or trial of 90 doctors, dentists and veterinarians who were arrested in 1980 following widespread agitation in Syria for political reforms, including an end to the State of Emergency, in force since 1963. Despite repeated requests for information on those detained, the government has failed to provide information on their whereabouts and well-being. Background The main provisions of the Syrian constitution which specify the freedoms of the citizen remain suspended under the terms of Military Order 2 of 17 March 1963 declaring a State of Emergency. The State of Emergency Law gives the security forces wide powers to arrest and administratively detain anyone suspected of "endangering security and public order". The Martial Law Governor (the Prime Minister), or his deputy, is empowered to delegate to anyone the powers to administratively detain, investigate, or restrict the freedom of persons in respect to meetings, residence, travel and passage. These powers have been delegated to the security forces and in practice have been used in such a way as to result in thousands of arbitrary arrests. The vast majority of political detainees in Syria are held without charge or trial, many for long periods. Families are given no official notification of the arrest, place of detention or subsequent movements of detainees and must obtain such information through their own efforts. Reports of torture and ill-treatment of detainees are common. Such treatment is facilitated by the extensive powers of arbitrary arrest and detention conferred on the security forces which enables them to hold detainees for indefinite periods without any external supervision of their cases.
    [Show full text]
  • Putin's Syrian Gambit: Sharper Elbows, Bigger Footprint, Stickier Wicket
    STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVES 25 Putin’s Syrian Gambit: Sharper Elbows, Bigger Footprint, Stickier Wicket by John W. Parker Center for Strategic Research Institute for National Strategic Studies National Defense University Institute for National Strategic Studies National Defense University The Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) is National Defense University’s (NDU’s) dedicated research arm. INSS includes the Center for Strategic Research, Center for Complex Operations, Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, and Center for Technology and National Security Policy. The military and civilian analysts and staff who comprise INSS and its subcomponents execute their mission by conducting research and analysis, publishing, and participating in conferences, policy support, and outreach. The mission of INSS is to conduct strategic studies for the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the unified combatant commands in support of the academic programs at NDU and to perform outreach to other U.S. Government agencies and the broader national security community. Cover: Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, August, 2012 (Russian Ministry of Defense) Putin's Syrian Gambit Putin's Syrian Gambit: Sharper Elbows, Bigger Footprint, Stickier Wicket By John W. Parker Institute for National Strategic Studies Strategic Perspectives, No. 25 Series Editor: Denise Natali National Defense University Press Washington, D.C. July 2017 Opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed or implied within are solely those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Defense Department or any other agency of the Federal Government. Cleared for public release; distribution unlimited. Portions of this work may be quoted or reprinted without permission, provided that a standard source credit line is included.
    [Show full text]
  • MPLS VPN Service
    MPLS VPN Service PCCW Global’s MPLS VPN Service provides reliable and secure access to your network from anywhere in the world. This technology-independent solution enables you to handle a multitude of tasks ranging from mission-critical Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), quality videoconferencing and Voice-over-IP (VoIP) to convenient email and web-based applications while addressing traditional network problems relating to speed, scalability, Quality of Service (QoS) management and traffic engineering. MPLS VPN enables routers to tag and forward incoming packets based on their class of service specification and allows you to run voice communications, video, and IT applications separately via a single connection and create faster and smoother pathways by simplifying traffic flow. Independent of other VPNs, your network enjoys a level of security equivalent to that provided by frame relay and ATM. Network diagram Database Customer Portal 24/7 online customer portal CE Router Voice Voice Regional LAN Headquarters Headquarters Data LAN Data LAN Country A LAN Country B PE CE Customer Router Service Portal PE Router Router • Router report IPSec • Traffic report Backup • QoS report PCCW Global • Application report MPLS Core Network Internet IPSec MPLS Gateway Partner Network PE Router CE Remote Router Site Access PE Router Voice CE Voice LAN Router Branch Office CE Data Branch Router Office LAN Country D Data LAN Country C Key benefits to your business n A fully-scalable solution requiring minimal investment
    [Show full text]
  • UK Home Office
    Country Policy and Information Note Syria: the Syrian Civil War Version 4.0 August 2020 Preface Purpose This note provides country of origin information (COI) and analysis of COI for use by Home Office decision makers handling particular types of protection and human rights claims (as set out in the Introduction section). It is not intended to be an exhaustive survey of a particular subject or theme. It is split into two main sections: (1) analysis and assessment of COI and other evidence; and (2) COI. These are explained in more detail below. Assessment This section analyses the evidence relevant to this note – i.e. the COI section; refugee/human rights laws and policies; and applicable caselaw – by describing this and its inter-relationships, and provides an assessment of, in general, whether one or more of the following applies: x A person is reasonably likely to face a real risk of persecution or serious harm x The general humanitarian situation is so severe as to breach Article 15(b) of European Council Directive 2004/83/EC (the Qualification Directive) / Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights as transposed in paragraph 339C and 339CA(iii) of the Immigration Rules x The security situation presents a real risk to a civilian’s life or person such that it would breach Article 15(c) of the Qualification Directive as transposed in paragraph 339C and 339CA(iv) of the Immigration Rules x A person is able to obtain protection from the state (or quasi state bodies) x A person is reasonably able to relocate within a country or territory x A claim is likely to justify granting asylum, humanitarian protection or other form of leave, and x If a claim is refused, it is likely or unlikely to be certifiable as ‘clearly unfounded’ under section 94 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.
    [Show full text]
  • Timeline of International Response to the Situation in Syria
    Timeline of International Response to the Situation in Syria Beginning with dates of a few key events that initiated the unrest in March 2011, this timeline provides a chronological list of important news and actions from local, national, and international actors in response to the situation in Syria. Skip to: [2012] [2013] [2014] [2015] [2016] [Most Recent] Acronyms: EU – European Union PACE – Parliamentary Assembly of the Council CoI – UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria of Europe FSA – Free Syrian Army SARC – Syrian Arab Red Crescent GCC – Gulf Cooperation Council SASG – Special Adviser to the Secretary- HRC – UN Human Rights Council General HRW – Human Rights Watch SES – UN Special Envoy for Syria ICC – International Criminal Court SOC – National Coalition of Syrian Revolution ICRC – International Committee of the Red and Opposition Forces Cross SOHR – Syrian Observatory for Human Rights IDPs – Internally Displaced People SNC – Syrian National Council IHL – International Humanitarian Law UN – United Nations ISIL – Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant UNESCO – UN Educational, Scientific and ISSG – International Syria Support Group Cultural Organization JSE – UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy to UNGA – UN General Assembly Syria UNHCR – UN High Commissioner for LAS – League of Arab States Refugees NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization UNICEF – UN Children’s Fund OCHA – UN Office for the Coordination of UNRWA – UN Relief Works Agency for Humanitarian Affairs Palestinian Refugees OIC – Organization of Islamic Cooperation UNSC – UN Security Council OHCHR – UN Office of the High UNSG – UN Secretary-General Commissioner for Human Rights UNSMIS – UN Supervision Mission in Syria OPCW – Organization for the Prohibition of US – United States Chemical Weapons 2011 2011: Mar 16 – Syrian security forces arrest roughly 30 of 150 people gathered in Damascus’ Marjeh Square for the “Day of Dignity” protest, demanding the release of imprisoned relatives held as political prisoners.
    [Show full text]
  • In PDF Format, Please Click Here
    Deprivatio of Existence The use of Disguised Legalization as a Policy to Seize Property by Successive Governments of Syria A special report sheds light on discrimination projects aiming at radical demographic changes in areas historically populated by Kurds Acknowledgment and Gratitude The present report is the result of a joint cooperation that extended from 2018’s second half until August 2020, and it could not have been produced without the invaluable assistance of witnesses and victims who had the courage to provide us with official doc- uments proving ownership of their seized property. This report is to be added to researches, books, articles and efforts made to address the subject therein over the past decades, by Syrian/Kurdish human rights organizations, Deprivatio of Existence individuals, male and female researchers and parties of the Kurdish movement in Syria. Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ) would like to thank all researchers who contributed to documenting and recording testimonies together with the editors who worked hard to produce this first edition, which is open for amendments and updates if new credible information is made available. To give feedback or send corrections or any additional documents supporting any part of this report, please contact us on [email protected] About Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ) STJ started as a humble project to tell the stories of Syrians experiencing enforced disap- pearances and torture, it grew into an established organization committed to unveiling human rights violations of all sorts committed by all parties to the conflict. Convinced that the diversity that has historically defined Syria is a wealth, our team of researchers and volunteers works with dedication at uncovering human rights violations committed in Syria, regardless of their perpetrator and victims, in order to promote inclusiveness and ensure that all Syrians are represented, and their rights fulfilled.
    [Show full text]
  • ARAB AWAKENING and ISLAMIC REVIVAL the Politics of Ideas in the Middle East
    ARAB AWAKENING AND ISLAMIC REVIVAL The Politics of Ideas in the Middle East Martin Kramer Transaction Publishers New Brunswick (U.S.A.) and London (U.K.) Text 1996 Syria’s Alawis and Shi‘ism 189 11 Syria’s Alawis and Shi‘ism In their mountainous corner of Syria, the Alawis claim to represent the furthest extension of Twelver Shi‘ism. The Alawis number perhaps a million persons—about 12 percent of Syria’s population—and are concentrated in the northwestern region around Latakia and Tartus. This religious minority has provided Syria’s rulers for nearly two decades. Syrian President Hafz al-Asad, in power since 1970, as well as Syria’s leading military and security chiefs, are of Alawi origin. Once poor peas- ants, they beat their ploughshares into swords, frst becoming military offcers, then using the instruments of war to seize the state. The role of Alawi communal solidarity has been diffcult to defne, and tribal afflia- tion, kinship, and ideology also explain the composition of Syria’s ruling elite. But when all is said and done, the fact remains that power in Syria is closely held by Alawis.1 This domination has bred deep resentment among many of Syria’s Sunni Muslims, who constitute 70 percent of the country’s population. For at the forefront of Syria’s modern struggle for independence were the Sunni Muslims who populated the cities of Syria’s heartland. They enjoyed a privileged standing under Sunni Ottoman rule; they, along with Syrian Christian intellectuals, developed the guiding principles of Arab nationalism; they resisted the French; and they stepped into positions of authority with the departure of the French.
    [Show full text]
  • Phoenician” Anthropoid Sarcophagi on Tartus, Syrian Coast
    CuPAUAM 39, 2013, pp. 113-122 New Hypogeal Tomb with a “Phoenician” anthropoid sarcophagi on Tartus, Syrian Coast. Una nueva tumba hypogeo con sarcófago antropoide “Fenicio” en Tartus, en la costa de Syria. BASHAR MUSTAFA. Universidad de Granada Email: [email protected] Recibido: 02-07-2013 Aceptado: 15-10-2013 Abstract: In this paper, we report on a new tomb which was discovered on the coast of Syria, including the objects found within, such as, the sarcophagus and the entire funerary ensemble. The analysis of the construction system, primarily through drawings made in situ by the excavation team is considered one of most effective approaches to understand the tech- niques involved in this hypogeal tomb found on the Phoenician coast of Syria. A series of chronological data are pro- vided concerning the stylistic features of the tomb, with special mention of past looting. The study concludes with an overall assessment of the tomb and its contents. Keywords: Syrian, Phoenician, Persian, hypogeal tomb, anthropomorphic sarcophagi. Regarding Phoenician anthropomorphic sar- the territory of Arados (Syria) are the prime cen- cophagi in the eastern Mediterranean region, ters of anthropomorphic Phoenician sarcophagi. Syria and Lebanon, studies (which began a centu- However, the dating and reconstruction of the ry and a half ago) have not provided satisfactory processes of the development, edification, or results until today. Unfortunately, eastern dedication of these tombs remains difficult, and Phoenician necropolises have been subjected to
    [Show full text]
  • Syria and Iraq
    The Comparative Metrics of ISIS and “Failed State Wars” in Syria and Iraq Part Three: Stability and Conflict in Syria Anthony H. Cordesman [email protected] Working Draft U.S. Army photo by Pvt. March 2, 2016 Travis J. Terreo 1616 Rhode Island Avenue NW Anthony H. Cordesman Web version: Email: [email protected] Washington, DC 20036 Phone: 1.202.775.3270 www.csis.org/burke/reports Conflict Dynamics in Syria 2 Population Density in Syria Source: Stratfor, https://www.google.com/search?q=Syria+population+density+maps&tbm=isch&imgil=DoUMgoWdhrcALM%253A%253Bqxzi4i_uSW4ufM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.heritageforpeace.org%25252Fsyria-country- information%25252Fgeography%25252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=DoUMgoWdhrcALM%253A%252Cqxzi4i_uSW4ufM%252C_&biw=1338&bih=976&ved=0CCoQyjdqFQoTCNXLnIuR08cCFckFjgod6wsNWA&ei=Ni_kVdXYFcmLuATrl7TABQ&usg=__OC351H3 Edwr5kYLecIZo4L-ys5yU%3D#imgrc=q-lXqYU6ivLyiM%3A&usg=__OC351HEdwr5kYLecIZo4L-ys5yU%3D The Pre-War Ethnic Sectarian Nightmare in the Levant Source: Columbia University Gulf/2000 Project, and http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/08/27/the-one-map-that-shows-why-syria-is-so- complicated/ 4 Syria: Religious and Ethnic Groups: March 2011 Source: Atlas-Syria: Federal Ministry of the interior, Republic of Austria, 2015, http://www.ecoi.net/atlas_syria.pdf, p. 15 5 Syria: Ethnic and Linguistic Groups: March 2011 Source: Atlas-Syria: Federal Ministry of the interior, Republic of Austria, 2015, http://www.ecoi.net/atlas_syria.pdf, p. 15 6 Syria: Topography and Regional Divisions Source: Atlas-Syria: Federal Ministry of the interior, Republic of Austria, 2015, http://www.ecoi.net/atlas_syria.pdf, p. 8 7 Syria: Physiography Source: Atlas-Syria: Federal Ministry of the interior, Republic of Austria, 2015, http://www.ecoi.net/atlas_syria.pdf, p.
    [Show full text]
  • Syria, April 2005
    Library of Congress – Federal Research Division Country Profile: Syria, April 2005 COUNTRY PROFILE: SYRIA April 2005 COUNTRY Formal Name: Syrian Arab Republic (Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah). Short Form: Syria. Term for Citizen(s): Syrian(s). Capital: Damascus (population estimated at 5 million in 2004). Other Major Cities: Aleppo (4.5 million), Homs (1.8 million), Hamah (1.6 million), Al Hasakah (1.3 million), Idlib (1.2 million), and Latakia (1 million). Independence: Syrians celebrate their independence on April 17, known as Evacuation Day, in commemoration of the departure of French forces in 1946. Public Holidays: Public holidays observed in Syria include New Year’s Day (January 1); Revolution Day (March 8); Evacuation Day (April 17); Egypt’s Revolution Day (July 23); Union of Syria, Egypt, and Libya (September 1); Martyrs’ Day, to commemorate the public hanging of 21 dissidents in 1916 (May 6); the beginning of the 1973 October War (October 6); National Day (November 16); and Christmas Day (December 25). Religious feasts with movable dates include Eid al Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice; Muharram, the Islamic New Year; Greek Orthodox Easter; Mouloud/Yum an Nabi, celebration of the birth of Muhammad; Leilat al Meiraj, Ascension of Muhammad; and Eid al Fitr, the end of Ramadan. In 2005 movable holidays will be celebrated as follows: Eid al Adha, January 21; Muharram, February 10; Greek Orthodox Easter, April 29–May 2; Mouloud, April 21; Leilat al Meiraj, September 2; and Eid al Fitr, November 4. Flag: The Syrian flag consists of three equal horizontal stripes of red, white, and black with two small green, five-pointed stars in the middle of the white stripe.
    [Show full text]