1964 Hama riot

The 1964 Hama riot was a pivotal incident in the history of Syria, occurring on April 13–14, 1964, in the city of Hama. Triggered by socio-political tensions between the ruling Ba'ath Party and the Sunni Muslim population, the riot was marked by violent clashes and significant unrest. The immediate cause was the government's decision to arrest and deport prominent Sunni clerics associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, which led to widespread public outrage. The unrest resulted in numerous casualties and injuries among civilians and security forces, highlighting the growing rift within Syrian society. The Hama riot foreshadowed further conflict and repression in the region, particularly in the context of the government's ongoing struggle to maintain control amid rising Islamist sentiments. The event remains a key reference point for understanding the complex dynamics of sectarian tensions and political dissent in modern Syrian history.