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
China’s economy ended 2024 on a stronger note than expected, driven by government stimulus measures. However, with rising tensions with the United States and ongoing domestic challenges, the outlook for 2025 remains uncertain.
According to health authorities in Gaza, the death toll from Israeli airstrikes has reached 46,645, with many recent fatalities in central and southern Gaza, as calls for urgent civilian protection intensify.
Fergani Space, a Turkish space firm, has successfully launched its first satellite, the FGN-100-d1, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, marking a major milestone in Turkey's space endeavors.
Millions of Hindu worshippers have gathered at Triveni Sangam in Uttar Pradesh for the Kumbh Mela festival, participating in the sacred mass bathing ritual as part of a 45-day spiritual event.
The Yemeni Houthi group has claimed responsibility for launching drone and missile attacks on Tel Aviv and Eilat in Israel, targeting key sites in both cities as tensions in the region escalate.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked President-elect Trump for his efforts to save the app in the U.S., as a January 19 deadline looms for ByteDance to sell or shut it down.
The World Bank confirms Kazakhstan's GDP growth forecast at 4.7% for 2025 and 3.5% for 2026, with oil production driving recovery.
Brazil announces Nigeria's acceptance as a partner country in BRICS, highlighting shared interests and Nigeria's growing role in global governance and the Global South.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
Coast Guard divers Chuck Fox and Corey Smith from the US Cutter *Polar Star* successfully repaired a leaking shaft in the freezing waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
As we welcome the new year, it’s time to focus on species needing urgent conservation in 2025. From delicate lizards to mighty hornbills and massive sharks, all face the threat of extinction.
Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.
The Weeknd, one of the biggest music stars of our time, has announced that his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, releasing on January 24, 2025, will be his final project under the “The Weeknd” name.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked President-elect Trump for his efforts to save the app in the U.S., as a January 19 deadline looms for ByteDance to sell or shut it down.
Brazil announces Nigeria's acceptance as a partner country in BRICS, highlighting shared interests and Nigeria's growing role in global governance and the Global South.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Thousands in Belgrade held a silent protest outside RTS, honouring victims of a roof collapse. University students demanded justice for the tragedy, blaming Serbian authorities.
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to contest his detention extension on insurrection charges tied to his martial law declaration.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew thanked President-elect Trump for his efforts to save the app in the U.S., as a January 19 deadline looms for ByteDance to sell or shut it down.
The World Bank confirms Kazakhstan's GDP growth forecast at 4.7% for 2025 and 3.5% for 2026, with oil production driving recovery.
Brazil announces Nigeria's acceptance as a partner country in BRICS, highlighting shared interests and Nigeria's growing role in global governance and the Global South.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment