Syria marks first anniversary of Assad’s fall with celebrations
For many residents, the end of the former government - widely described by rights groups as a police state - was seen as a turning point
Syrians gathered in central Damascus on Friday and Saturday to mark the first anniversary of the collapse of the al-Assad government, a milestone that followed Bashar al-Assad's flight to Moscow in the early hours of 8 December last year.
For many residents, the end of the former government - widely described by rights groups as a police state - was seen as a turning point. Some Syrians described an "exhalation," a sentiment they said had been absent for decades, says Al Jazeera.
A turbulent year
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The year following the change in government brought both relief and uncertainty. Early comparisons by analysts to post-invasion Iraq or Libya underlined concerns about possible instability. Sectarian violence broke out along the Syrian coast in March and in Suwayda in July. Sources said groups aligned with the former government helped fuel those tensions, prompting cycles of revenge attacks and the targeting of minorities.
Despite the unrest, many Syrians say conditions have gradually improved. Residents and returnees describe a degree of optimism that they felt had been impossible under the previous leadership. Some express confidence that "The culture of the country is now for the people".
Citywide celebrations
Celebrations for the anniversary began several days ahead of 8 December. Large crowds formed around Umayyad Square, which has become the symbolic centre of the events. Thousands of young people arrived in minivans or on scooters, gathering at the roundabout through Friday afternoon. Car horns and fireworks continued into early Saturday.
The green, white and black Syrian flag was widely displayed throughout the city. Children leaned out of car windows waving flags as fireworks lit the sky, and others had their faces painted in the same colours outside the Umayyad Mosque.
Residents said the celebrations carry emotional significance. One participant said, "We were oppressed, but now our sadness has been released".
Return of exiles
The anniversary has also drawn Syrians back from abroad. Abu Taj returned to Damascus just over a week ago after spending 10 years in exile. Another returnee, Omran, recently came back from Lebanon and said he planned to join the gatherings in Umayyad Square with his mother and younger brother.
