reportage
In Syria's capital Damascus, people are preparing for the first New Year after Assad. The mood is characterized by hope, but also uncertainty about the plans of the new Islamist rulers.
Mohamed Ezzo sits in front of his uncle's small shop in the Old City of Damascus. The blacksmith patiently and evenly hits a copper pot with a small hammer – the tiny notches will later be filled with silver.
He hopes 2025 will be a good year for the Syrians. Things could only get better: “We have had so many fears in the past few days – actually in the last decade and a half. God willing, things will get better – we pray for it.”
“God willing, it will get better,” says blacksmith Mohamed Ezzo.
There are masked people with guns on the side of the road
Despite the dreary weather, there is a lot going on on the streets and the mood is largely relaxed. Some young people were already having a bit of a blast on the evenings before New Year's Eve. Very few people seem to be bothered by the fact that there are masked men with automatic rifles standing on the side of the road.
The Islamists of the militia alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Shamder (HTS) are now responsible for security and order in Syria. Blacksmith Ezzo doesn't see any reason to worry: “No, no, it's more of a relief. The atmosphere is more relaxed for everyone.”
Street scene in Damascus with armed men. People tend not to be worried about it.
“Prices are already starting to fall”
Baker Samer al-Haj is also optimistic about the New Year. Dozens of people line up in front of his bakery. “People are trying to improve life in the country,” says al-Haj. “Prices are already starting to fall.”
During the Assad regime, he says, it was hardly possible to get spare parts for the machines in his shop. He hopes for improvements there too.
Queuing for bread in Damascus. Prices are already starting to fall.
Promise or threat?
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the country's new strongman, tried to dampen the expectations of his compatriots in his first major interview at the weekend. Fundamental changes would only be felt in a year, said the leader of the HTS.
Not all Syrians are sure whether this is a promise or a threat. Musicians from the opera house say they are hanging in the air right now. Culture is not yet a priority for the new rulers.
And the Franciscan Father Firas Lutfi has questions above all for the de facto ruler al-Sharaa:
What is his vision for Syria? What does he think about the Christian presence in the country, about Christian rules, about the position of women in society?
Lutfi and other Christian dignitaries met with al-Sharaa on the last day of the year. Before the conversation, the monk said he hoped the longtime militia leader could listen. Because he has to if he really wants to make the transition to a politician.
