In brief
The end of the Assad regime has sparked jubilation in Aleppo, where residents are starting to return amidst the ruins of their past. While some monuments of oppression have been destroyed, people are left grappling with the reconstruction of their lives and the remnants of their homes.
In Aleppo, Syria, a palpable air of celebration surrounds the recent overthrow of the Assad regime, marking a significant transition after over a decade of civil war. The city's landscape has transformed dramatically, with the monuments of former power either demolished or desecrated. Particularly symbolic is the statue of Basel al-Assad, which has been mostly dismantled, leaving just the horse for children and young men to climb upon as they express their victory over oppression.As Syrian rebels swiftly reclaimed Aleppo from Assad's forces, many exiled residents are returning in droves. This past week has seen families coming back from safer locations, like Turkey, for either a permanent relocation or at least to survey the remnants of their past lives. Among them is 23-year-old Amar Sabir, who fled to Turkey nearly a decade ago. After finding love and starting a family away from home, she remained hopeful of returning and finally made the journey back on Sunday.Though emotions are high with excitement for some and uncertainty for others, the atmosphere in Aleppo is electric. For those returning, the focus is on reconnecting with their roots and rebuilding their lives, navigating through the destruction left behind. The joy of reclaiming their city is tempered by the reality of what remains, as they come to terms with changed neighborhoods and lost homes in the aftermath of a long-fought battle.
