The Syrian city of Damascus is reclaiming much of the vibrancy that seemed nearly vanished following years of conflict.
Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government, the city is coming back to life, with full-scale preparations for this year’s Eid al-Fitr celebrations now in progress.
Once lethargic and apprehensive markets are now teeming with activity and crowds. The vendors shout enthusiastically to attract their clientele, seemingly compensating for the long periods of quietude and suppression they experienced. Signs of efforts to reinstate everyday life can be seen at every turn within the urban landscape.
“The market teems with individuals, yet security officers are omnipresent, ensuring safety and fostering a feeling of assurance. Despite the current challenging economic climate, we trust that better times lie ahead,” stated a Damascus inhabitant to Euronews.
A merchant at the Al-Hamra Street marketplace informed Euronews about observing a change in his sales volume.
“As things stand now, they have improved significantly compared to recent years,” he stated.
“The market shows evident signs of growth, and individuals now feel more at ease venturing out for shopping purposes. The primary catalyst behind this shift is the enhanced sense of security; citizens are no longer apprehensive about nighttime outings or traveling across different zones,” he noted.
Yet, this festive observance of Eid fails to mask the severe economic hurdles that persistently weigh down on Syrians. Skyrocketing costs of essential goods coupled with the struggle to find employment significantly impede efforts towards restoring a regular lifestyle.
After the downfall of Bashar al-Assad, AHMAD AL-SHARA, the leader of the HTS rebels, assumed the role of interim president for the nation. This decision came following a gathering among the military factions involved in toppling Assad, during which they also decided to annul and draft a new national charter.
Throughout Ramadan, al-Sharaa attended morning prayers at various mosques, which helped project an image of leadership closely engaged with the community.
The comeback of those who were forced to leave
Following the removal of ex-President Al-Assad in December, approximately 1.2 million Syrian refugees have returned to their homes, as reported.
UN statistics
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One of the returnees is Inas, a young woman who moved to Sweden in 2015 and came back to celebrate Eid with her loved ones.
She cherishes the recollections of Damascus’ ancient lanes and intends to revisit spots where she would rendezvous with her buddies. Additionally, she looks forward to exploring the Syrian coastline, a region dear to her heart.
When Inas came back, she understood that Syria had changed significantly from what she remembered from years past. Although the impact of the conflict remains evident in the urban landscape, an invigorating new atmosphere permeates throughout the nation without a doubt.
“Damascus has changed significantly nowadays. We experience a liberty we’ve never known before, and individuals speak boldly about what lies ahead for them. The marketplaces buzz with vitality, and children frolic in the streets devoid of fear—something unimaginable in earlier times,” observed Inas.
During this Eid, the crescent moon will be sighted atop Mount Qassioun.
Thousands of residents will converge atop the mountain to observe this extraordinary event, acting as a beacon of optimism, collective solidarity, and a resurgence to everyday living.
