Jubilant crowds gathered in cities across Syria for the first Friday Prayers since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Notably, the historic Umayyad Mosque in the capital saw civilians and fighters worshiping together, with chants celebrating the end of a long authoritarian regime.
Participants waved revolutionary flags and shouted, “God is great!” as one of the largest crowds in memory filled the mosque's marble courtyard, a site previously suppressed by Assad's security forces during antigovernment demonstrations.
In addition to religious chants, some attendees expressed their newfound freedom with slogans like, “Hold your head high, you are a free Syrian!” Fighters from the rebel forces that removed Assad joined worshippers, with their weapons nearby. The prayer hall was so crowded that some could not touch their foreheads to the carpet, instead resting them on the backs of those in front.
During a sermon, the newly appointed prime minister of Syria’s rebel government, Mohammed al-Bashir, praised the rebellion's achievements and called for the establishment of a new state based on freedom, dignity, and justice. He condemned the Assad regime's oppression and spoke of seeking justice against its perpetrators.
Many attendees noted that they had not visited the mosque in years due to fear of arrest by Assad's forces, which had violently suppressed protests since the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011. Abdullah Suleiman, a history professor, remarked on the unprecedented size of the crowd, calling it a victory for the Syrian people after decades of oppression.
Similar celebrations occurred in other regions, including the coastal city of Latakia, traditionally loyal to Assad. Thousands gathered there, chanting for national unity and waving revolutionary flags, while representatives from various religious groups spoke on stage.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Sunni Islamist group that led the fight against Assad, has indicated a willingness to collaborate with diverse religious and ethnic groups. However, concerns persist regarding potential favoritism towards Sunni Muslims and the marginalization of other communities.
In Idlib, under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's control, crowds sang songs of freedom and waved revolutionary flags. Rebel commander Ahmed al-Shara encouraged Syrians to gather in celebration and focus on rebuilding the country, while urging caution to prevent celebratory gunfire.
Despite the widespread joy, significant challenges remain for Syria's new leadership, including a fragmented administration, competing armed factions, and severe humanitarian issues such as food shortages and deteriorating infrastructure. Millions of Syrians who fled the conflict are uncertain about their safety in returning home.
Russia appears to be preparing to withdraw some military forces from Syria, though the specifics of their relocation remain unclear. In light of the evolving situation, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is engaging with regional powers to guide Syria towards stability and prevent extremism.
During recent diplomatic meetings in Turkey and Iraq, Blinken emphasized the importance of respecting human rights and protecting minorities in Syria, while also addressing the threat posed by the Islamic State, which continues to operate in the region.
International efforts are underway to address the fates of those who disappeared during Assad's regime. The International Committee of the Red Cross has documented thousands of cases of missing persons and is urging the new leadership to preserve evidence related to these individuals.
Stephan Sakalian, head of the Red Cross’s Syria delegation, noted that many families have approached the organization seeking information about their missing relatives, acknowledging that providing answers will be a lengthy process.