In brief
After years of repression, locals are rediscovering their city and personal freedoms.
In the heart of Damascus, a sense of liberation fills the air as residents eagerly return to places once overshadowed by the oppressive regime of President Bashar al-Assad. At Mount Qasioun, a popular gathering spot overlooking the capital, families are once again enjoying picnics and leisure activities that had long been denied them.For Sumaya Ainaya, who frequently visited the mountaintop before the civil war erupted in 2011, this latest visit brings a rush of nostalgia. Accompanied by her family, she reflects on the years when the military restricted access to the mountain, turning it from a vibrant space for socializing into a site of military operations. “Thank God, we’ve returned now — we feel like we can breathe again,” she remarked.As news breaks about the rebel coalition's recent victories, locals are rediscovering the joys of gatherings and open conversations. Muhammad Qatafani, Ainaya’s son, expresses a shared sentiment: “We feel like the city has returned to us.” No longer stifled by fear or censorship, citizens are engaging in trade and social activities in ways that were previously unthinkable.Throughout the city, the revival of casual outings, such as coffee drinking and leisure trading in dollars and imported goods, symbolizes a broader reclamation of personal liberties. The oppressive years under Assad's rule seem to be fading, making room for a renewed sense of community and ownership that many thought had been lost forever. As the festive spirit embraces the mountaintop, Damascus transforms into a playground for its residents, bustling once more with energy, laughter, and the anticipation of brighter days ahead.
