Aleppo's Transformation: A New Era After Assad's Fall

Amid the ruins of its war-torn past, Aleppo witnesses a revival spirit as residents celebrate the removal of President Assad's regime symbols and work towards rebuilding their lives.

In the heart of Aleppo, a striking change is palpable as the remnants of President Bashar al-Assad's regime vanish. A huge billboard depicting Assad, once a fixture in every corner of Syria, has been removed, incinerated in a symbolic act of defiance. The national flags that adorned the lampposts have been replaced with the independent flag, signaling a dramatic shift in the city’s identity. Outside the city hall, grand banners bearing Assad's likeness have been stripped away, and one portrayal of him has been riddled with bullets, a testament to the new order.

As the first major city captured by rebels led by Islamist factions earlier this month, Aleppo has erupted in celebrations, echoing with the collective sigh of relief from citizens long oppressed under the rule of the Assad family. Having ruled since 2000, Bashar al-Assad, alongside his father Hafez, left behind a legacy of autocracy that residents are now eager to dismantle. In a nostalgic reflection, local resident Mahmoud Ali reminisced about his first visits decades ago, when Assad's image dominated the public space. "Now, those images are a thing of the past," he noted.

Aleppo was not just a city; it was a thriving economic center, ravaged by the civil war that erupted in 2011 following brutal crackdowns on peaceful protests. The violence claimed countless lives and displaced millions. Now, as many citizens begin to return—some from abroad, others from internally displaced shelters—hope and uncertainty intermingle in the residents’ minds.

Before this recent uprising, East Aleppo was under siege, subject to relentless Russian bombardment, and when the Assad regime regained control in 2016, many felt it was too dangerous to return. But now, with the regime's downfall, families like Mahmoud's, who fled to Idlib during the intensifying conflict, are cautiously optimistic.

"My family left in 2012 as the violence intensified," Mahmoud said. "But now, we finally feel safe to come back." His daughter, Samar, captures the sentiment of many who have felt silenced under years of oppressive rule, stating, "We could never express our feelings before. The regime's terror was overpowering."

Despite their newfound freedom from oppression, the lingering fear of repression remains. As Samar explained, “We’re happy, yet there still exists a fear that's hard to shake.” Her brother Ahmed echoed similar concerns, sharing that merely speaking one's mind could lead to severe repercussions under Assad's regime. Still, their collective spirit reflects a resilient determination never to return to a state of repression.

While Aleppo begins to rebuild, challenges loom large. With over 90% of the population living in poverty, many residents face uncertainty over the future administration set in place by the current government, represented by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a faction with dubious historical ties to al-Qaeda.

Nevertheless, hope persists. A nearby resident proclaimed, "No one can take away my happiness. We are finally back." At the city's central square, a man expressed his desire for sustained peace by saying, "Let’s hope the cycle of violence and oppression does not return."

As Mahmoud and his family reintegrate into their lives, they display their independence flag proudly, symbolizing the spirit of rebellion against the oppressive legacy of the Assads. "We can hardly believe that Assad is gone," added Samar. In a city once dominated by fear, Aleppo's streets are starting to hum with newfound aspirations for a brighter future.