Syrian universities reopened after a month-long closure following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, marking a new era of freedom and hope. Students and educators, reflecting on the shift, shared their optimism about rebuilding a united and open Syria.
DAMASCUS – Universities across Syria reopened on Monday after a month-long suspension of educational activities, which began on 8 December due to political uncertainty following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. The closure, which coincided with the Christmas holiday, delayed academic schedules. With the resumption of classes, students returned to campuses to continue their studies and sit for final exams.
Students and educators, reflecting on the profound changes in the country, shared their perspectives with Anadolu.
A New Era of Freedom and Expression
Reem Al Zohaili, a graduate of Damascus University’s Faculty of Architecture and Higher Institute of Languages, who now teaches, described the relief and optimism felt in the aftermath of the regime’s fall.
"'Under Assad’s regime, people were not allowed to do anything or speak about anything, even political topics,' a Syrian graduate told Anadolu."
Zohaili highlighted the newfound openness in classrooms.
"'I can feel that students are now more open. They participate, they give their own opinions,'" she stressed.
Reflecting on the oppressive conditions under Assad, Zohaili recounted how discussing political matters often led to imprisonment. She remembered how students were expelled or jailed in 2014 and 2015 for criticising the regime, and how some tragically lost their lives in school bombings.
Unexpected Change
Another educator, Jouman Msouti, an English teacher at the Higher Institute of Languages, emphasised how unexpected the regime's collapse was.
"'No one expected the regime to fall,' a Syrian graduate told Anadolu."
Msouti expressed hope for the future, noting that while rebuilding governance would take time, Syrians now have a unique opportunity to create a peaceful, unified country. She urged those living abroad to return and help rebuild the nation.
Addressing Western perceptions, she added, "'We are not terrorists. We are normal people who want to live our lives.'" She called for improved infrastructure and modern educational facilities to ensure a brighter future for all Syrians.
Renewed Optimism Among Students
Students shared similar sentiments of hope and determination. Lana Channais, a second-year dentistry student, described the relief that has come with the new era.
"'People are happier. Many have been released from prisons, which is a good thing because many were jailed simply for their ideas,' she told Anadolu."
Channais commended the new administration for prioritising public safety and stressed the importance of improving education and facilities.
Suleiman Selloum, also a second-year dentistry student, spoke of the need to rebuild a united Syria.
"'We must build a free Syria without fear or hesitation,' a Syrian graduate told Anadolu," emphasising the need to respect minority rights and foster inclusivity.
Selloum expressed his commitment to staying in Syria to aid its recovery. "'I don’t plan to go abroad. I want to stay here and help,'" he concluded.
As universities reopen and students return, the sense of renewed hope and determination among Syrians reflects a commitment to rebuilding a stronger and freer nation.
A vessel carrying 6,600 tonnes of wheat has docked at Syria’s Latakia port, marking the first major delivery since rebels overthrew former President Bashar al-Assad.
International financial leaders will discuss ways to restore aid to Syria during next week’s IMF and World Bank meetings.
The Trump administration will reduce the number of US troops in Syria from around 2,000 to approximately 1,000, officials said Tuesday, in a move signaling a shift in Washington’s military posture across the Middle East.
The United States is preparing to consolidate its military footprint in Syria, with officials signalling a potential drawdown of up to half its troops in the coming months.
Azerbaijan and Syria discussed deepening bilateral ties and regional security in a call between their foreign ministers, with a focus on post-Assad cooperation, embassy reopening, reconstruction support, and potential trilateral collaboration with Türkiye.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food supplies in Gaza have run out, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk as charity kitchens face imminent shutdown.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
On April 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu to discuss the South Caucasus, peace talks with Armenia, and strengthening bilateral cooperation. Aliyev emphasized dismantling the OSCE Minsk Group and securing Azerbaijan’s sovereignty.
Russia and Iran have signaled their commitment to deepen energy cooperation by working on new overland gas corridors, according to a statement from the Russian Cabinet.
Citing sustained cross-border terrorism and a recent deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a decision that marks a significant shift in regional water diplomacy.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is set to be held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, said Rovshan Mirzayev, Deputy Head of the Economic Cooperation Department of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Israel warned on Thursday it will unleash an even wider offensive in Gaza unless Hamas frees its remaining hostages, a threat issued as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 55 people across the enclave, according to local medics.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food supplies in Gaza have run out, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk as charity kitchens face imminent shutdown.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment