For many Syrians, this year’s Ramadan is supposed to mark a new beginning—the first in over a decade free from the grip of the Assad regime. However, for thousands of displaced citizens, the holy month is a painful reminder that liberation has not yet meant a return home. Across Syria, entire neighborhoods, villages, and even cities remain in ruins, leaving families unable to rebuild their lives even as the country enters a new era.
Rebuilding Efforts Stalled
Despite the fall of the former regime, large-scale reconstruction efforts have been slow impeded by ongoing sanctions. Many cities, including Aleppo, Homs, and parts of Damascus, remain scarred by years of war. Families who fled during the conflict are eager to return, yet their homes are uninhabitable.
According to one Damascene, “The biggest difference this year is that families are finally able to return to their homeland, but many are still waiting for their homes to be rebuilt.” The lack of reconstruction leaves many feeling stuck between a past they want to move on from and an uncertain future. Some neighborhoods have begun to see signs of revival, but the economic crisis has made it difficult for families to afford repairs.
Mosques & Markets Revive
Despite these challenges, Syrians have been eager to reclaim their religious and cultural traditions. This Ramadan, mosques across the country underwent long-overdue renovations, with volunteers leading cleaning and maintenance efforts. The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, long neglected under the previous regime, has been fitted with new carpets and lighting, thanks to efforts by the non-profit organization HAND. Similar restoration projects are taking place in Aleppo and Homs, as communities come together to prepare places of worship for late-night prayers and Quran recitations.
Markets, too, have seen a resurgence. Vendors have returned to the streets, and the absence of regime-imposed levies has led to lower prices on goods. The atmosphere is noticeably different from previous years, with many Syrians embracing the newfound sense of freedom. However, the excitement is tempered by continued economic difficulties. While some families can afford to shop for Ramadan supplies, many still struggle with limited income and uncertain living conditions.
A Ramadan of Resilience
For those who remain displaced, this Ramadan is another chapter in their long journey home. Bakri Iyad, a resident of Aleppo, described the mixed emotions of the season. “There is joy in the streets, but many people are still living in temporary homes,” he said. “It is difficult to truly celebrate when you don’t have a place of your own.”
In Damascus, the reopening of roads has allowed families from different provinces to travel and reunite for the holy month. The ability to visit is not the same as being able to stay. As Syrians embrace their first Ramadan in a new era, the spirit of resilience remains strong. However, for thousands still waiting for reconstruction to begin, true liberation will only come when they can finally break their fasts, not in displacement camps and rentals, but in their own homes.
