Damascus takes fresh breath as Assad regime ends
A boy wears a hat with the flag of Syria's revolution as daily life continues after the collapse of 61 years of Baath Party rule in Damascus, Syria, December 9, 2024. (AA Photo)
After years of turmoil, Damascus begins to return to a state of normalcy following the Assad regime’s collapse. One of the largest covered bazaars in the capital, the Ottoman-era built Al-Hamidiyah Souq, reopened its shops and resumed commerce.
Both shopkeepers and the locals express their joy, with one commenting, “Assad subjected us to great oppression. He imposed severe pressure on us. Now, there is no more fear, and beautiful things are starting to happen.”
Return of commerce and vital services
On the third day after the rebels took control and Assad fled, Damascus began to regain normalcy. According to Hurriyet, businesses, markets, bakeries, and cafes in the city have reopened. Municipal services, including taxis and minibuses, have resumed, and the streets are bustling with people.
Key areas like Umayyad Square and Marjeh Square have witnessed an influx of families and children, while historic sites like Al-Hamidiyah Souq, adjacent to the Umayyad Mosque, are teeming with people. Long queues formed in front of the famous Bakdash ice cream shop, located within the bustling marketplace.
Damascus’ Ottoman heritage Al-Hamidiyah Souq now accepts Turkish Lira
During the Assad regime, only Syrian pounds were accepted in the Al-Hamidiyah Souq. However, now both dollars and Turkish Lira are in circulation. Vendors accepting Turkish Lira are sparking interesting conversations, as not everyone is familiar with the currency. Many merchants from Türkiye’s border regions, along with rebel groups, prefer to conduct their transactions in Turkish Lira.
Hasan Hasbullah Abu Abdu, a shopkeeper at the bazaar, shared his thoughts with Hurriyet, saying, “We are free from the regime’s oppression. We can breathe easy now and sleep peacefully. After three days, I opened my shop. We’ve started accepting Turkish Lira. In the past, when we accepted dollars, the Assad regime would arrest us. Now, we accept both dollars and Turkish Lira.”
Communication still challenge as city recovers
While life returns in Damascus, internet and communication infrastructure has yet to be fully restored. Armed groups affiliated with the opposition are stationed at key entry points and critical locations around the city, ensuring that looting, theft, and potential attacks are minimized. They are also preventing suspected regime soldiers from fleeing.
