In brief
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Syrians face severe financial challenges stemming from the recent economic shifts and the aftermath of the civil war, hindering their ability to celebrate the occasion.
As Ramadan draws near, long lines form outside banks in Syria’s capital, Damascus, where citizens endure extended waits just to withdraw small amounts of cash for holiday expenses. Following the recent toppling of the Assad regime, the newly-installed government has implemented stringent withdrawal limits, offering mere pocket change—approximately $15 per day. This has severely dampened the festive mood typically expected during Ramadan.For many, like civil engineer Sleiman Dawoud, this sum hardly suffices, as basic necessities are becoming increasingly unaffordable. "That can buy maybe a kilo and a half of meat," he lamented. Others, such as retired civil servant Ra’if Ghnaim, express frustration over the traditional practice of giving children cash during Ramadan's end—a cherished custom now threatened by financial scarcity.The current economic landscape marks a stark contrast to the past, as the new government enacts various financial reforms aimed at managing the country's chaotic economy post-war. But for most Syrians, these changes have yet to translate into relief, leaving them to grapple with the stark realities of cash shortages and rising prices just as Ramadan, a time of generosity and family gatherings, is set to begin.
