Bashar al-Assad is 61 years old as of October 2026. He was born on 11 September 1965.
Eye doctor turned President of Syria from 2000 to 2024, whose rule was marked by a devastating civil war
Did you know?He originally trained as an eye surgeon in London and only returned to Syria after his brother was killed in a car crash.
Quick facts
Date of birth11 September 1965
Age61
NationalitySyrian
BirthplaceDamascus, Syria
Occupationstatesperson, ophthalmologist, military leader
Editor's Take:
Bashar al-Assad's story is one of the most dramatic reversals of modern politics. He trained as an eye doctor in London and was never meant to rule, until his older brother's death made him heir. He inherited power from his father in 2000 amid early hopes of reform. Instead, his response to the 2011 uprising led to a devastating civil war, with hundreds of thousands killed and millions displaced. In December 2024 his government collapsed and he fled to Russia, ending more than five decades of Assad family rule.
Key Milestones
1992: London – ophthalmology training
1994: Heir after his brother's death
2000: President – succeeds his father
2011: Uprising – civil war begins
Bashar Hafez al-Assad (born 11 September 1965) is a former Syrian politician, medical doctor, military officer, and dictator who served as the president of Syria from 2000 until his overthrow in 2024 after the Syrian civil war. He is the son of Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria from 1970 to 2000.
Bashar al-Assad's birthday is September 11. He was born on September 11, 1965 in Damascus, Syria.
How old is Bashar al-Assad?
Bashar al-Assad is 61 years old, and turns 62 on his next birthday, September 11.
Who shares a birthday with Bashar al-Assad?
Famous people who share Bashar al-Assad's September 11 birthday include Sung Jae-gi, Ferdinand Marcos, Franz Beckenbauer, D. H. Lawrence and Theodor W. Adorno.
