Historic Shift in Aleppo

In a historic shift, Aleppo, the once-thriving city at the heart of Syria's conflict, is experiencing profound changes ever since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The symbolic remnants of his rule are rapidly disappearing from the cityscape. Massive billboards featuring Assad have been set ablaze, while national flags of red, white, and black have given way to the bold 'independence flag.' The citizens of Aleppo are reclaiming their city, eager to erase decades of oppression that came with Assad's family dynasty, which began in 2000 when Bashar succeeded his father Hafez, a long-time ruler.

The Capture of Aleppo

During a recent visit, it was noticeable that areas I roamed as a student back in 2008, adorned with Assad's imagery, are now either stripped bare or defaced. Aleppo became the first major city to be captured by rebel forces earlier this month, marking a significant turning point in Syria’s fight against tyranny. One of the earliest acts of the victorious rebels was to demolish statues of both Bassel and Hafez al-Assad—symbols of a regime that led to years of civil strife and suffering.

The Suffers of War and The Return of Residents

Once known as a bustling center for commerce, Aleppo has been left scarred by brutal warfare since the civil war ignited in 2011. Following the regime's oppressive crackdown on peaceful protests, thousands lost their lives, and countless others fled for their safety. In the wake of Assad’s ousting, a wave of returnees is now making its way back home, heralding a cautious optimism for the future.

Lingering Shadows of Conflict

The echoes of conflict still linger in the streets; many buildings lie in ruins, remnants of the devastating battles that once raged. The long-standing siege of East Aleppo by regime forces and their allies—most notably Russia—turned the area into a ghost town until the government regained control in 2016. With Assad now gone, however, many families are tentatively exploring the possibility of rebuilding their lives.

Stories of Returnees

Eighty-year-old Mahmoud Ali is one of the returning residents. Having fled to Idlib in 2012, he expressed his newfound hope: 'When the regime fell, we could raise our heads.' His daughter, Samar, vividly remembers a time when speaking out was a death sentence. 'Our children were deprived of everything. They didn't have their childhood,' she lamented.

Hope and Fear

Conditions may be promising, but the shadows of fear still loom large. The Mukhabarat, or secret police, once omnipresent, instilled a long-lasting atmosphere of distrust. In Aleppo's revitalized public spaces, billboards now proclaim, 'Freeing detainees is a debt upon our necks,' indicating a burgeoning desire for justice among the populace.

The Uncertain Future

Yet, amid the relief and joy at the regime's downfall, residents like Samar question their newfound freedom. 'We’re happy, but there’s still fear,' she says, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many. Concerns linger about potential volatility as the Syrian landscape shifts once more—this time under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group with a past linked to al-Qaeda.

Celebration Amidst Reality

The palpable joy of residents is tempered by reality. Reports suggest that over 90% of Syria's population lives in poverty, raising urgent questions about how the new ruling body will address pressing humanitarian needs. Yet, despite these uncertainties, hope prevails. As one local declared, 'No one could take away my happiness. I still can't believe that we came back. May God protect those who took the country back.'

A New Chapter for Aleppo

In a small flat, Mahmoud Ali and his family celebrate their return. An 'independence flag' crudely crafted on a piece of paper sits proudly on the coffee table. 'We still can't believe that Assad is gone,' Samar shares, embodying the wavering mix of hope and anxiety that defines Aleppo's new chapter. As the sun sets over this once-divided city, the air is thick with anticipation for what might come next in this redefining moment in Syrian history.