Tens of thousands of Syrians have taken to the streets across the country to celebrate newfound freedom, five days after rebels ended Bashar al-Assad's 54-year reign.
In Damascus, thousands gathered at the historic Umayyad Mosque for the first Friday prayers since Assad's departure, marking what many now call “Freedom Day.” In a significant shift, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), delivered an impassioned speech urging Syrians to embrace their liberty and rebuild their nation. The mosque, once controlled by regime forces, became a symbol of unity and hope.
The green, white, and black colors of the opposition flag were prominently displayed, draped over people’s shoulders and painted on children’s faces. Crowds chanted revolutionary songs, including those of the late Abdel Baset al-Sarout, a renowned musician of the Syrian revolution. Shops began replacing the old regime flag with the opposition's emblem, reflecting a nationwide sentiment of change.
The White Helmets, Syria's famed civil defense organization, made an emotional first appearance at the mosque, a reminder of their years of risking lives to rescue civilians during relentless airstrikes. Their presence symbolized the transition from war to hope.
For years, Syrian mosques were mandated to include prayers for Assad. This week, the sermon delivered by Sheikh Ratab al-Nabulsi carried a drastically different tone. He called for unity, justice, and the pursuit of a brighter future, leaving many in tears.
“We’ve endured 14 years of suffering, and this is the best week of my life,” said Hanan Hadi, a 55-year-old who lived through the regime’s brutal crackdowns and civil war.
HTS announced a transitional government led by Mohammed Bashir, former head of its civilian wing. Efforts to stabilize the country are already underway, with civil servants retained and armed fighters retreating from urban centers. By Friday, Damascus and other cities saw a return to normalcy, with families strolling through reopened streets and shops resuming business.
International reactions have been cautious but optimistic. Turkey has reopened its embassy in Damascus after 12 years, and European nations are reportedly considering establishing working-level contacts with the new government.
Amid celebrations, challenges remain. Former regime prisons, now liberated, have revealed the grim legacy of Assad’s rule. Families are frantically searching for missing loved ones. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, over 35,000 people remain unaccounted for, though rights groups suggest the number is much higher.
Despite lingering fears and immense rebuilding challenges, Syrians are embracing their newfound freedom. “We’re not used to liberty,” said Taseer Abdul Rahman, 29, during the celebrations. “But now, this is our country—not Assad’s.”
As Syrians begin the difficult task of nation-building, the moment is being celebrated as a hard-earned victory for a people who endured years of oppression and conflict. While challenges remain, the streets of Damascus, Aleppo, and beyond resonate with hope for a brighter, united Syria.
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