History and Origins of the Dalati Family
Ottoman Origins and Turkish Lineage
The Dalati family traces its roots to Ottoman Turkish origins, having arrived in the Levant with Sultan Selim I’s campaign in the early 16th century CE (10th century AH). They were part of a wave of families and military units that accompanied the Ottoman conquest of the region. Members of the family belonged to a military corps known as the “Dalatiyya” or “Dalati,” derived from the Turkish word Deli, meaning “bold” or “reckless.” This term referred to irregular soldiers renowned for their courage and fierce momentum in battl
Spread Across the Levant
Following the conquest, the family settled in several Syrian cities, most notably Homs, Damascus, Aleppo, Zabadani, Latakia, Salamiyah, and Jableh. Over time, they expanded into Lebanon (as “Dalati”), the Maghreb (as “Dalai”), and reached parts of Europe via Albania, Bosnia, and Anatolia. In Homs, the family inhabited the Turkmen Quarter, which they helped establish and develop. One symbolic historical act attributed to the family was sealing one of the city wall’s gates with stone—later known as the “Sealed Gate”—a gesture signifying that the Ottomans would be the final conquerors of the city
Social and Professional Contributions
Across centuries, Dalati family members distinguished themselves through bravery, intellectual acumen, and rare artisanal skill, earning them a respected position in Ottoman society. The empire entrusted several family figures with internal and external administrative roles, and some held official posts in various Ottoman provinces. During the 12th to 14th centuries AH, the family excelled in commerce, printing, zincography, education, and craftsmanship, playing a vital role in the economic and social life of the cities they inhabited.
Spiritual and Cultural Legacy
Among the family’s spiritual icons was Sheikh Ahmad al-Tawzqali, a prominent figure of the Naqshbandi Sufi order in Homs, who promoted a balanced and moderate spiritual discourse. Another notable figure was Hussein Dalati, who built the Dalati Mosque. The family also produced poets, writers, and intellectuals—some of whom received prestigious literary awards and contributed to art criticism and visual culture—reflecting the deep cultural dimension embedded in the family’s identity.
Facing Modern Challenges
Despite the political and social upheavals that have affected Syria and the region, the Dalati family has remained cohesive. Several members were martyred during the Syrian revolution, underscoring the family’s enduring presence in national and humanitarian affairs. The efforts to establish the family house in Homs, the charitable association, and the digital platform reflect a sincere commitment to preserving and evolving the family legacy in step with the modern age.
