December 8th marked one year since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. With this anniversary, many emotions are stirred among the Syrian population, combining celebration, caution, and also reawakening old scars. The date is being commemorated with crowded streets, prayers at dawn, and official speeches that attempt to convey messages of a new beginning for the country. But, for millions of Syrians, this anniversary also rekindles painful memories and disputes that remain alive in the country.
Syria begins celebrations, but they reveal a divided and cautious country
The streets of Damascus, the capital of Syria, awoke surrounded by celebratory flags, horns, and a level of enthusiasm that many say they haven’t felt in the city for decades. Thousands of residents went to the squares and also to the famous Umayyad Museum, where prayers at sunrise marked the beginning of the day and the celebrations.
“Thousands of people here. I mean, this is a brief lull in the celebrations, which really have been going on for the past few days – fireworks, people driving around, honking their horns,” said a correspondent, Jane Arraf, in Damasco.
Communities react in different ways to the first post-Assad anniversary
While the atmosphere in the capital is one of festivity and celebrations, not the entire country shares the same sentiment. A classic example is the Alawites, who historically were linked to the deposed regime and therefore chose to boycott the celebrations. In the northeast, the Kurdish administration banned public events due to security risks and in defense of its regional autonomy. In the south, Druze groups reinforced calls for independence after deadly clashes last year.
Symbolic and political reconstruction marks the first year without Assad
The celebration of this anniversary, in addition to all the political issues, also comes as a feeling of relief and freedom for the mesdo, as many Syrians still describe it today. Correspondents in Damascus report that the atmosphere in the country for the anniversary resembles the days immediately following the fall of the regime, only with greater intensity. Fireworks, cars circulating in celebration, and entire families in the streets create the impression of a country relieved after years of war.
But this anniversary is not marked solely by joy. In mosques located in neighborhoods that suffered heavy repression during the civil war, it is possible to find photos of the dead and missing, covering entire walls. Residents walk through the corridors pointing out the faces of family members and neighbors, many of whom still have no known fate.
Al-Sharaa, aware of the duality of feelings present on this date, which range between hope and mourning, insists on building solid institutions to prevent the future from once again depending on a single leader. Syrian-American activists who met with the president argue that this is the true test: creating political processes capable of sustaining the country even in the face of unforeseen events.
Increased international recognition and support
When it comes to international support and prestige, Assad’s fall has only brought advantages to Syria. The European Union has already declared its continued support to help ensure a peaceful process led by the Syrians themselves. The United States also recognized the new government, receiving al-Sharaa at the White House, something worth mentioning, as this was the first such visit since 1946.
One year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syria is still experiencing both celebrations and mourning stemming from the previous regime. While there are festivities, there is also pain and a stubborn search for stability. Despite the anniversary, the effects of the previous government are still fresh, and the country continues its struggle to find itself again. This anniversary represents a population that, in addition to rebuilding its cities, is also gradually reconstructing its own collective history.
