What is "alawi"

n. Alawite

The Alawi Sheikhdom ( ), or Alawi ( ) — was a Sheikhdom located in the Adan region of southwestern Yemen. Its capital was Al Qasha. The state was abolished in 1967 with the independence of the People's Republic of South Yemen.

Alawi means "follower of Ali", and is a common surname (and sometimes as a given name) in the Muslim world. In Arab countries occupied by the British Empire, the name is transliterated as "Alawi". In Arab countries that were occupied by the French Third Republic, the name is transliterated as "Alaoui". In South Asia it is usually transliterated as "Alavi" or "Alvi" (see Alavi).