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The Alawis, also known as Alawites, Nusayris and Ansaris, are a prominent mystical and syncretic religious group centred in Syria who constitute a branch of Shia Islam. Distinct Alawi beliefs include the belief that prayers are not necessary, they do not fast, perform pilgrimage, nor have specific places of worship. Traditionally Alawis live in the An-Nusayriyah Mountains along the Mediterranean coast of Syria. Latakia and Tartous are the region's principal cities. Alawis are also concentrated in the plains around Hama and Homs.<br/><br/> Today Alawis also live in all major cities of Syria. They are estimated to constitute slightly less than 10% of the Syrian population (which would be about 2 million people in 2010).