In a significant contribution to modern historical scholarship, Anadolu Agency has released a new book titled “The Syrian Revolution: From Baath Oppression to Freedom,” documenting the Syrian people’s journey from decades of authoritarian rule to the moment of liberation. The 327-page publication, issued in both Turkish and English, coincides with celebrations marking the anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime.
A Structured Account of Conflict and Transition
The book offers a detailed, chronological account of the revolution, including the pivotal 12 days leading to the collapse of the regime, the nationwide celebrations that followed, and extensive evidence of war crimes and systematic abuses. It highlights testimonies from survivors, profiles of individuals accused of grave violations who remain under investigation, and an overview of the first elections held in the new era.
The opening chapter traces key historical moments from Syria’s independence from the French Mandate in 1946 to the rise of the ousted Bashar al-Assad in 2000, illustrating the conditions and critical junctures that paved the way for the regime’s downfall. The narrative is supported by photographs captured by Anadolu Agency correspondents and firsthand accounts from victims of repression, displacement, and torture.
Documenting Atrocities for Justice and History
A central aim of the publication is to systematically document the abuses committed by the former regime, including mass graves, torture centers, and other violations. It is intended to serve both as a historical reference and as a resource supporting ongoing efforts toward justice and accountability. In the preface, Anadolu Agency CEO Serdar Karagöz emphasizes the study presents key evidence related to war crimes and systematic violations against civilians.
“The study provides an in-depth analysis of the conflict’s dynamics and the suffering endured by the Syrian people over long years of repression and violence,” Karagöz writes. He notes that the book synthesizes news reports, field investigations, testimonies, and documentary material, forming a solid scholarly foundation for future research on Syria and human rights.
A Record of Human Cost and National Resilience
The book brings together official documents, photographs, and firsthand accounts to illustrate the long-term impact of the regime’s policies and its violent response to popular demands for reform and justice. It confirms that the regime’s military and security approach resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, the injury of nearly two million people, and the forced displacement of more than 13 million Syrians internally and abroad.
This immense human toll ultimately culminated in Syria’s national victory on December 8, ushering in a new era defined by freedom and sovereignty. “The Syrian Revolution” marks Anadolu Agency’s third major publication on the subject, following “The Orphaned Nation: Syria” from the “There Was A…” series and “Syria… On the Path of Revolution,” both of which documented developments from the earliest days of the 2011 uprising.
