Sumaya Ainaya, 56, and her family recently returned to Mount Qasioun, a popular leisure spot overlooking Damascus, after years of military restrictions imposed during the Syrian civil war. The area, once filled with families celebrating and enjoying the outdoors, had been closed to civilians since 2011, replaced by military presence and conflict.
With the recent ousting of the Syrian regime by a coalition of rebels, Ainaya expressed relief and joy at reclaiming the mountain, stating, “Thank God, we’ve returned now — we feel like we can breathe again.” Her son, Muhammad Qatafani, echoed this sentiment, noting a renewed sense of belonging in the city.
As Syrians across the country begin to reclaim spaces and freedoms previously denied under the Assad regime, there is a mix of optimism and concern regarding the future governance by the new Islamist-led coalition. Many citizens are apprehensive about potential new restrictions, fearing they may have exchanged one authoritarian regime for another.
Recent statements from Ahmed al-Shara, the de facto leader, indicated that drafting a new Constitution could take several years, raising alarms among the populace. Meanwhile, the interim government faces challenges in establishing order, leading to chaotic conditions in the capital, including increased street vendors and traffic congestion.
Despite these uncertainties, residents are rediscovering public spaces and expressing their newfound freedoms. Protest songs that were once dangerous to sing can now be heard openly, and youth organizations are mobilizing to improve their communities.
In a symbolic shift, former regime symbols are being dismantled, and public gatherings are taking place in venues that were once off-limits. Activist Yara Sabri spoke at a former Baath party headquarters, emphasizing the collective responsibility of citizens in shaping the future of Syria.
Economic changes are also evident, with foreign currency exchanges re-emerging after years of prohibition. Business owners are now able to sell a variety of products openly, reflecting a significant shift in the marketplace.
On Mount Qasioun, vendors are returning, and celebrations are being planned for the New Year. Ali Maadi, a local vendor, is working to rebuild his family’s stand, which had been damaged during the conflict. The atmosphere is filled with a sense of renewal as people gather to enjoy the view and celebrate their regained freedoms.
For many, including Aya Kalas and her fiancé Khalid al-Qadi, the changes in Damascus feel transformative. Kalas remarked on the unrecognizable nature of her city, while al-Qadi expressed a sense of rediscovery, stating, “We feel like seeing the country anew; we feel like tourists.”