On Friday, tens of thousands of people gathered at Umayyad Square in central Damascus to celebrate the end of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal rule over Syria. The crowds were jubilant, filling the square to its limits and celebrating what many thought would never happen—the departure of the dictator.
Esraa Alsliman, a student, expressed the disbelief felt by many, saying she had long believed Assad’s regime would persist indefinitely, even across generations. The atmosphere was surreal for many, with some waking up still doubting the reality of the situation.
The celebrations brought together people from all walks of life, with families, students, and the elderly joining in the festivities. Many carried flags of the Syrian Arab Republic, a symbol of opposition to the Assad regime. The square was a mix of traditional and modern, with women in conservative attire alongside those in Western fashion.
Young children were seen with painted faces, waving flags, and joining in the celebrations. The mood was one of hope, as people felt they could now envision a future in Syria, no longer needing to leave the country to find success and opportunity.
Syria Celebrates the End of Assad’s Rule in Damascus Amid Euphoria and Uncertainty for the Future
For over fifty years, the Assad family had maintained a harsh grip on Syria, using widespread violence and repression to retain power. The regime was marked by reports of mass incarceration, torture, and atrocities against the people.
However, after a grueling 13-year civil war that ravaged the country, the Assad regime finally collapsed. Rebel forces declared Damascus “liberated,” with President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia, marking the end of his rule. This significant moment was a long-awaited victory for many, bringing an end to a dark chapter in Syria’s history.
The celebrations at Umayyad Square began after midday prayers at the Umayyad Mosque, a symbol of Syrian history and culture. The sermon was delivered by Syria’s new caretaker Prime Minister, Mohamed Al-Bashir, who called the event “the birth of a nation.” However, while there was overwhelming joy, there were also signs of the country’s fragility. The rebel coalition that had ousted Assad was made up of various groups with different ideologies and goals, leaving uncertainty about the future direction of Syria.
Despite the euphoria, the celebrations were not without tension. Armed men in military fatigues were present, some posing for photos with young children and Kalashnikovs. The air was filled with the sound of celebratory gunfire, and at one point, the crowd seemed to turn hostile, chasing someone they identified as a military figure.
However, the celebration quickly resumed with dancing, chanting, and cheers. One elderly woman, Fatima Baghdadi, who had lived under the Assad regime for most of her life, expressed her deep relief at the regime’s fall. She spoke of the decades of oppression and personal losses, including the death of a son and the injury of a grandson, and expressed profound gratitude for the newfound sense of freedom.
