The Syrian city of Damascus is reclaiming much of its former vibrancy following years of conflict.

Following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, the city is reviving, and plans for this year’s Eid al-Fitr celebrations are in full swing.

Marketplaces that were previously dormant and apprehensive are now teeming with individuals. Merchants shout aggressively at their patrons, seemingly trying to compensate for the decades of quiet and suppression they faced. Efforts to reinstate regularity in daily life can be seen around every part of town.

“The markets are crowded with people, but security personnel are everywhere to provide protection, which provides a sense of security. It is true that the economic situation is very difficult these days, but we hope the situation will improve soon,” a resident of Damascus told SANGGRALOKA.

A seller at the Al-Hamra Street market informed SANGGRALOKA that they observed a change in their sales volume.

“The circumstances are far more improved compared to what we’ve seen in the past few years,” he stated.

“The market shows evident signs of progress, and individuals now feel more at ease venturing out for shopping. The primary driver behind this shift is the enhanced security stability; people no longer harbor fears about being outside during late hours or traveling across different zones,” he noted.

Nevertheless, this observance of Eid fails to mask the severe economic difficulties that persistently weigh down on Syrians. Skyrocketing costs of essential goods coupled with the struggle to find employment significantly impede efforts towards restoring a typical lifestyle.

After the downfall of Bashar al-Assad, HTS rebel chief Ahmad al-Sharaa took over as the nation’s temporary head of state. This decision was made during a gathering of various militant factions involved in Assad’s ousting, which also led to an agreement to abolish and draft a new constitution for the country.

Throughout Ramadan, al-Sharaa attended early morning prayers at various mosques, which helped shape an image of leadership closely engaged with the community.

The comeback of the relocated

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 lady who moved to Sweden in 2015 and came back to celebrate Eid with her loved ones.

She cherishes the recollections of the ancient roads of Damascus and intends to revisit the spots where she would gather with her buddies, along with the Syrian coastline, which occupies a cherished space in her heart.

When she came back, Inas discovered that Syria had changed significantly from what she remembered from years past. Although the scars of war were evident throughout the city’s structures, an invigorating new spirit permeating the nation was unmistakable.

“Dubai has changed significantly nowadays. We experience a liberty unknown before, with citizens speaking boldly about what lies ahead. Bazaars buzz with activity, kids frolic in the open spaces free from worry—a scenario unimaginable in earlier times,” Inas observed.

On this Eid, the crescent moon will appear at the summit of Mount Qasioun.

Hundreds of citizens will gather on the mountain to witness this unique moment, which will serve as a symbol of hope, national unity and a return to normal life.