Syria is entering a historic moment as citizens prepare to celebrate the first anniversary of Bashar al-Assad’s ousting. Across Damascus and other liberated cities, hope, flags, and fireworks signal a new era for Syrians, as they commemorate the fall of a regime that ruled the country with fear and oppression for decades.
Damascus Prepares for the Anniversary
Days before the official anniversary on December 8, 2025, Damascus was already alive with celebration. Around Umayyad Square, children leaned out of windows waving Syria’s green, white, and black flag, while fireworks lit up the night sky. The capital’s streets were adorned with decorations, flags, and banners, reflecting the nation’s renewed sense of freedom.
Abu Taj, 24, a Syrian who had spent over a decade in exile, returned just weeks before the anniversary. “The culture of the country is now for the people,” he told Al Jazeera, expressing optimism for Syria’s new direction after years of dictatorship.
The Fall of the al-Assad Regime
A year ago, Syria witnessed the end of a brutal police state. Bashar al-Assad, whose father Hafez ruled from 1970, fled Damascus following a lightning Islamist-led offensive that toppled the regime. The early days after liberation were marked by joy and celebration, but also uncertainty, as Syrians grappled with questions about the nation’s future.
Analysts had initially compared Syria’s situation to post-invasion Iraq and post-Gaddafi Libya, anticipating ongoing instability. Meanwhile, US sanctions on Syria remained in place, complicating recovery efforts, even as the new government under Ahmed al-Sharaa sought to stabilize the country.
Celebrations Across Damascus
Leading up to the anniversary, festivities spread throughout the city. Children’s faces were painted with the national colors, flags were sold and distributed in public squares, and fireworks became a common sight in the evening sky.
In Marjeh Square, Omran, 22, a returnee from Lebanon, enjoyed time with his mother and brother after nine years of separation. He planned to join the main celebrations at Umayyad Square on December 8, reflecting the collective joy of families reunited and citizens experiencing newfound freedom.
The Symbolism of Umayyad Square
Umayyad Square, the heart of Damascus, became the central gathering point for celebrations. Thousands of young men and women arrived in minivans, scooters, and on foot to commemorate the historic day. Amid the festivities, the wreckage from an Israeli strike on the Ministry of Defence in July remained visible, serving as a stark reminder of the recent turbulent past.
Abdelaziz al-Omari, 21, from the Palestinian camp of Yarmouk, waved Syrian and Palestinian flags. “We were oppressed, but now our sadness has been released,” he said, capturing the widespread sentiment of relief and hope across Syria.
Challenges and Hopes After a Year
Despite the jubilation, challenges remain. Over the past year, sectarian violence erupted in regions such as Suwayda and along the Syrian coast, threatening the nation’s fragile stability. Homs also faced tension, though government intervention helped calm potential unrest.
Yet many Syrians, like lawyer Rahma al-Taha, remain optimistic. She noted that security and infrastructure have gradually improved since the liberation. “Everything is better, and every month we’re seeing new things… There is hope,” she said, reflecting the collective desire for a more peaceful future.
A Nation Looking Forward
As rain showers briefly interrupted celebrations, Syrians remained undeterred, eager to fully commemorate the anniversary on December 8. The event represents more than a date on the calendar—it symbolizes liberation, resilience, and the possibility of a better future.
Flags waving, fireworks soaring, and communities gathering, Syria is marking a year since the fall of the al-Assad regime with hope and unity, celebrating the potential for a new chapter in the country’s long and tumultuous history.
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