The Syrian Ministry of Culture organized an event titled “The Syrian Revolution: Celebration of Honor” on Monday evening at the Damascus Opera House, paying tribute to the families of martyrs of the Syrian revolution. The ceremony drew broad public attendance and reflected the scale of the sacrifices made by Syrians in pursuit of freedom and dignity.
The event commemorated figures whose names have become closely tied to the revolution, including Col. Riyad al-Asaad, journalist Hadi al-Abdullah, Farid al-Midhan, Abdul Baset al-Sarout, Maher al-Naimeh, Abdulqadir al-Saleh, Hussein Harmoush and Ghayath Matar. Organizers said the ceremony aimed to preserve the memory of those who lost their lives and reaffirm the principles for which they stood.
Calls for Unity and Reconstruction
Maher al-Naimeh, a former Air Force pilot who played a role in the revolution, told Levant24 that the Syrian revolution’s eventual victory after over a decade reflected the resilience of the Syrian people in the face of oppression and violence of the Assad regime.
He said the next stage requires unity and a collective commitment to rebuilding the country with the same determination shown during the conflict. Naimeh also praised the organizers of the event, saying the ceremony demonstrated loyalty to the martyrs and their families. He stressed the importance of preserving their sacrifices in the memory of future generations.
Col. Riyad al-Asaad echoed those sentiments and called for national unity as Syrians move into what he described as a new phase for the country. He said rebuilding Syria is a shared responsibility and expressed hope that the country can restore its historical and cultural standing.
Support Initiatives for Families
Alauddin Hazima, one of the organizers and campaign director at Ghiras al-Nahda Foundation, the ceremony’s strategic partner, told Levant24 the event marked the first edition of what organizers hope will become a continuing initiative. He said the ceremony was designed not only as a symbolic tribute, but as a platform launching long-term support programs for the families of martyrs and others affected by the conflict.
The initiatives include sponsorship programs for orphans, financial and social support for families, assistance for students and funding for small businesses and vocational training projects. Hazima said the programs aim to help beneficiaries improve their living conditions and build sustainable futures.
Honoring Influential Figures
According to Hazima, organizers opened nominations several months ago through dedicated online platforms to identify individuals for recognition. While participation was limited in the early stages, he said future editions would expand to include more influential figures connected to the revolution.
This year’s ceremony honored around 47 people selected for their impact and contributions during the conflict. The honorees included both martyrs and individuals who remained active on the ground throughout the revolution.
Organizers said the event also sought to document personal stories from the conflict and preserve the collective memory of the revolution for future generations while promoting a sense of social responsibility and national solidarity.
