The First Anniversary of Liberation

On the first anniversary of Assad’s fall, Syrians across towns and cities expressed mixed emotions—joy at liberation and sorrow over the long years of war. Fourteen years of conflict left the country exhausted, with nearly 90% of the population living below the poverty line, amid a devastated infrastructure and the collapse of most essential services. 

Popular celebrations took on a symbolic character, as people raised slogans of freedom and dignity, and small gatherings were held in squares and neighborhoods. Artists and intellectuals sought to express hope for a new future through theatrical and musical performances. Yet the scars of war remained visible in daily life: electricity was scarce, water supplies irregular, and roads, hospitals, and schools in dire need of reconstruction.

The anniversary was not merely a moment of celebration, but also a time for reflection on the immense sacrifices Syrians had made during the years of war, and the challenges that lie ahead in rebuilding and establishing a more just and equitable state. Between the joy of overcoming a regime that had lasted for decades and the anxiety of an uncertain future, the occasion stood as a landmark in Syria’s national memory—summarizing a long journey of pain and hope.