Bashar al-Assad Bio: Age, Wife, Religion, Net Worth, Children, Parents, Family, Height

Biography

Bashar al-Assad is a renowned Syrian politician and former military officer who served as president from 2000 until his government was overthrown in the Syrian Revolution of 2024.

He succeeded his father, Hafez al-Assad, continuing the family’s long-standing rule. Born on September 11, 1965, in Damascus, Assad initially pursued a medical career, specializing in ophthalmology in the United Kingdom, before shifting to politics upon returning to Syria.

His presidency began with promises of reform, earning him the nickname “Hope” among some Syrians. However, his rule became synonymous with authoritarianism, political repression, and widespread human rights abuses.

The Syrian Civil War, which erupted in 2011 during the Arab Spring protests, defined much of his tenure. His government faced international condemnation, sanctions, and allegations of war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians.

Despite these controversies, Assad retained control over large parts of Syria for years, bolstered by support from Russia and Iran. His leadership remained deeply polarizing—some viewed him as a stabilizing force amid regional instability, while others condemned his regime as oppressive and responsible for immense suffering.

Former President of Syria
Bashar al-Assad
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Bashar Hafez al-Assad
Stage Name:	Bashar al-Assad
Born:	11 September 1965 (age 59 years old)
Place of Birth:	Damascus, Syria
Nationality:	Syrian
Education:	University of Damascus
Height:	1.89 m
Parents:	Anisa Makhlouf, Hafez al-Assad
Siblings:	Maher al-Assad, Bassel al-Assad, Bushra al-Assad, Majd al-Assad
Spouse:	Asma al-Assad (m. 2000)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Hadeel Ali (2011)
Children:	Zein al-Assad, Karim al-Assad, Hafez al-Assad
Occupation:	Politician • Military Officer
Net Worth:	$1 billion-$2 billion (USD)

Early Life & Education

Bashar al-Assad was born in Damascus, Syria, on September 11, 1965. He is of Alawite ethnicity, a branch of Shia Islam, and his religious background is Alawite.

His father was Hafez al-Assad, who was the President of Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000, and his mother was Anisa Makhlouf. Bashar has several siblings, including Bassil al-Assad, his elder brother who was initially groomed to succeed their father but died in a car accident in 1994; Maher al-Assad, who commands the Republican Guard and the 4th Armoured Division; and Bushra al-Assad, married to Assef Shawkat until his death in 2012.

Bashar completed his primary and secondary education in Damascus and studied medicine at the University of Damascus. He graduated in 1988 and then went to the United Kingdom to specialize in ophthalmology at the Western Eye Hospital in London, where he completed a postgraduate degree in 1992.

Originally not in line to succeed his father as president, this path opened up after Bassil‘s death, leading to Bashar‘s integration into Syria’s political and military structures, eventually becoming president in 2000.

Career

Bashar al-Assad’s career has been deeply intertwined with Syrian politics. He evolved from a medical professional to one of the Middle East’s most controversial and enduring leaders. Initially, he pursued a medical career, earning a degree from the University of Damascus and specializing in ophthalmology.

He later continued his studies in the UK, training in eye surgery at the Western Eye Hospital in London. However, his medical path was abruptly cut short in 1994 following the death of his older brother, Bassil, which forced him into the political sphere as his father’s chosen successor.

Before assuming power, Assad trained at the Homs Military Academy, where he was promoted to colonel in 1999. When his father, Hafez al-Assad, passed away in 2000, Bashar was swiftly positioned as Syria’s new leader.

He was confirmed as head of the Ba’ath Party and won the presidency in a tightly controlled referendum with 97.29% of the vote. Initially, he was perceived as a potential reformer, advocating for economic liberalization and increased political freedoms. This brief period, known as the “Damascus Spring,” saw a surge in political discourse before being swiftly repressed by his government.

The defining chapter of Assad’s rule has been the Syrian Civil War, which erupted in 2011 after his government’s violent crackdown on Arab Spring protests. The conflict escalated into a multi-faceted war involving rebel groups, jihadist factions, and foreign interventions from Russia, Iran, and the United States. Assad’s regime has been accused of severe human rights violations, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians, leading to widespread international condemnation and sanctions.

Despite prolonged conflict, economic crises, and diplomatic isolation, Assad has retained control over significant parts of Syria, largely due to military and political support from key allies.

His administration has relied on a combination of military force and strategic diplomacy to navigate ongoing challenges. As of the last update, he remains Syria’s president, securing multiple election victories with overwhelming—yet widely disputed—support.

Personal Life

Bashar al-Assad, born on September 11, 1965, is 59 years old. He is married to Asma al-Assad (née Akhras), born on August 11, 1975, in London.

Asma was an investment banker before their marriage in December 2000. Bashar has been married once. The couple has three children: Hafez Bashar al-Assad, born in 2001, named after Bashar‘s father; Zein al-Assad, born in 2003; and Karim al-Assad, born in 2004.

Bashar al-Assad stands at 1.89 meters (approximately 6 feet 2 inches). Before marrying Asma, there wasn’t much public information on Bashar’s dating history; however, there was a mention of him having an encounter with publicist Hadeel Ali in 2011, though details remain largely private and less confirmed.

Net Worth

Bashar al-Assad‘s net worth remains a topic of speculation due to the opaque financial structure of his regime.

Estimates vary widely, with some sources suggesting Assad‘s personal net worth could range from $1 billion to $2 billion—or potentially more when factoring in the vast wealth controlled by his extended family.

Assad‘s financial empire is believed to stem from both legal and illicit sources, including dominance over key industries such as real estate, energy, and telecommunications, as well as alleged involvement in smuggling, arms trading, and drug trafficking.

Much of this wealth is concealed in offshore accounts, real estate holdings, and shell companies designed to circumvent international sanctions. However, these figures remain primarily speculative due to the secrecy surrounding the Assad family’s financial dealings and the instability in Syria.