The capture of Damascus ended the Arab Kingdom of Syria and established French mandatory rule over the region in July 1920.
Key Facts
- Date of capture
- 24 July 1920
- King Faisal surrender date
- 14 July 1920
- Preceding battle
- Battle of Maysalun
- Pro-French government installed
- 25 July 1920, led by Aladdin al-Droubi
- French mandate capital
- Damascus declared capital of State of Damascus
- Resistance encountered
- Shootouts in Shaghour and Midan neighborhoods
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Franco-Syrian War, which erupted in January 1920, pitted French forces against the newly proclaimed Arab Kingdom of Syria. King Faisal surrendered on 14 July 1920, but War Minister Yusuf al-Azma ignored the order and led Syrian forces to Maysalun, where they suffered a decisive defeat, leaving Damascus exposed to French advance.
French forces marched on Damascus following their victory at Maysalun and captured the city on 24 July 1920 with minimal resistance. Scattered shootouts occurred in the Shaghour and Midan neighborhoods during the initial French entry, but the city fell quickly and a pro-French government under Aladdin al-Droubi was installed the following day.
The capture of Damascus brought the Arab Kingdom of Syria to an end and placed the region under the French Mandate for Syria. By September 1920, Damascus was formally established as the capital of the State of Damascus, cementing French administrative control over the territory.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Aladdin al-Droubi (pro-French).
Side B
1 belligerent
Yusuf al-Azma.