Celebrations Sweep Damascus and Beyond
Thousands of jubilant Syrians took to the streets of Damascus and other cities on Friday to celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. In the capital, people gathered at the iconic Umayyad Mosque for prayers before joining rallies led by the victorious Islamist rebels who spearheaded the uprising.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, and leader of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), called on Syrians to “express their joy” and commemorate the “victory of the blessed revolution.”
Umayyad Square: The Heart of Celebration
In Damascus, the atmosphere at Umayyad Square was festive, with music blaring revolutionary songs and slogans such as “Raise your head high, you are Syrian.” Thousands waved the flag of the Syrian opposition while chanting and dancing in a party-like setting.
Men in black combat gear from HTS mingled with the crowds, taking photos with civilians and reciting poetry celebrating Syria’s freedom. Sara al-Zobi, a university student, described the gathering as a symbol of unity and hope for rebuilding Syria.
“We’re happy to have been liberated from the prison we lived in,” said another participant, Nour Thi al-Ghina.
The Shadow of Loss Amid Joy
While many celebrated, others mourned the human cost of the Assad regime. Families searched for the bodies of loved ones who disappeared in the regime’s notorious prisons. At a mortuary in central Damascus, heartbroken individuals compared photographs of missing relatives to the emaciated bodies transferred from Saydnaya prison, often referred to as a “human slaughterhouse.”
Forensic expert Aslan Ibrahim described the harrowing scenes, noting signs of severe malnourishment and torture on the bodies. “The body of a journalist bore signs of torture—his arm and leg were broken, and he had numerous bruises,” he recounted.
Unveiling the Machinery of Oppression
Key sites of Assad’s sprawling intelligence network now stand as haunting reminders of the regime’s brutality. In the basement of the state security headquarters in Kafr Sousa, rows of tiny, grim cells reveal the inhumane conditions detainees endured for months, often while being interrogated and tortured.
Nearby, the General Intelligence Directorate houses a treasure trove of files documenting decades of surveillance and oppression. Cabinets overflow with paper records, while pristine data storage units highlight the regime’s meticulous monitoring of its citizens.
A New Chapter for Syria
The fall of Assad marks the end of an era dominated by fear and oppression. As Syrians celebrate their newfound freedom, many hope for unity and the rebuilding of their nation. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, including addressing the scars left by years of brutality and oppression.
Sara al-Zobi summed up the sentiment of many: “We are gathering because we’re happy Syria has been freed. Now, we must work together to build a brighter future.”
