In brief
After years of oppression under the Assad regime, residents of Damascus are rediscovering their city, celebrating life with picnics at Mount Qasioun, which had been forbidden access during the war.
Residents of Syria's capital, Damascus, are embracing a wave of newfound freedoms in the aftermath of the Syrian civil war, particularly at the picturesque Mount Qasioun, an area that had long been off-limits under President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Once a cherished gathering spot filled with laughter and camaraderie, the mountain had been closed to civilians during the conflict that began in 2011, with military presence overshadowing the joyous memories of family picnics and celebrations.This New Year's Eve marks a significant return for locals like Sumaya Ainaya, who fondly remembers carefree weekends spent atop the mountain with friends and family. Now, with the regime ousted, she celebrated the holiday by bringing her family back to Mount Qasioun, armed with snacks and a sense of liberation. “Thank God, we’ve returned now — we feel like we can breathe again,” stated Ainaya.Expressions of joy are felt across the city, as residents take back their streets and parks, engaging in conversations and activities that had been stifled for years. People in Damascus are trading openly in foreign currency and enjoying previously banned goods like imported coffee, showcasing a palpable shift in the social atmosphere. Many feel a renewed sense of ownership and belonging in a city that had increasingly felt alien to them. As 2025 dawns, the spirit of hope is palpable among the citizens, who are eager to reconstruct their lives and embrace the liberties that had been denied for so long. “We feel like the city has returned to us,” remarked Muhammad Qatafani, Ainaya's son, encapsulating the collective sentiment of residents eager to reclaim their social spaces and cultural identity.
