Dawn of the Middle East Islamism: «Mohammedan Brotherhood» in Syria in the early 20th century

Abstract

The tragic events in the Middle East that have been going on for many years, connected with religious slogans and the activism of extremist  Islamist organizations, force us to turn  to the origins of these movements.  Analysis of documents and evidence of that time allows us to conclude  that  the beginning  of the struggle  and propaganda of Islamist organizations in the region should be attributed to the period earlier than it was accepted, namely to the early years of the 20th century. The main materials, used by the author, were the reports of the Russian consul in Damascus, Prince Boris N. Shakhovskoy  (1870–1926). This diplomat described in detail the work of local branch of the organization «Mohammedan Brotherhood», which was launched in 1909 in Damascus as well. As it was the case with the almost namesake  Egyptian organization, established  in 1928, which at the time of its foundation, some researchers associated  with the British intelligence,  Shakhovskoy  in his time also believed that  the British were interested in destabilization of public security  in Syrian  regions  and  used  its potential  in the  interests  of Britain. This notion is confirmed both in the earlier period and later, until today.