Syria's New Caretaker Prime Minister Delivers Friday Sermon at Umayyad Mosque

Syrians gathered at Damascus' historic Umayyad Mosque for Friday prayers, marking a pivotal moment following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Caretaker Prime Minister Mohamed al-Bashir called for unity and mercy during his sermon.

In a symbolic display of solidarity, worshippers filled the courtyard of the iconic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on December 13, holding flags adopted by Syria's new ruling body. The first Friday prayers since Islamist-led rebels took control of the capital drew large crowds, with many expressing a mix of relief and hope.

Mohamed al-Bashir, recently appointed caretaker prime minister, addressed the congregation from the mosque's pulpit. His sermon emphasised rebuilding Syria as a nation of dignity and compassion.

“Victory and liberation are not just about breaking chains or raising flags. It is the birth of a nation and the restoration of dignity,” he declared, calling for Syria to become a "symbol of freedom and mercy."

The political shift came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), leading a rebel alliance, ousted al-Assad on December 8. Al-Bashir, previously the head of HTS' Idlib administration, now oversees the transitional government in Damascus.

Local residents shared their emotions about the historic moment. Yaser Nasab, a Damascus resident, expressed gratitude for the mosque’s preservation during years of conflict. “It’s very good to be here. Thanks to God, it has been protected,” he said.

Another resident, Rateb al Qary, described the event as transformative. "It feels as if I have been reborn. The past years have been harsh; we were suffocating," he said.

For many, the gathering at the Umayyad Mosque symbolised not just a moment of faith, but a hopeful beginning for a nation seeking unity and peace

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