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In a historic moment for the people of Syria, the country has marked the first Friday without Assad regime rule.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of the Syrian Islamist Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, urged Syrians to take to the streets in celebration of what he described as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against the Assad regime. 

HTS emphasised the importance of peaceful demonstrations, urging participants to refrain from firing weapons into the air and to prioritise the safety and security of their communities. The appeal came amidst a backdrop of continued unrest and shifting allegiances within Syria and the wider Middle East.

Following Friday prayers in Damascus, thousands gathered in the historic Umayyad Square, united in jubilation to celebrate a Syria free from the grip of Bashar al-Assad.

For 13 long years of conflict, Syrians endured the brutality of a regime that stepped up its suppression of dissent with an iron fist and killed hundreds of thousands of people. The departure of Assad last Sunday has become a beacon of hope for many, igniting celebrations across the nation.

As crowds filled Damascus, joyous chants echoed through the streets: "Syria is free! The people want the execution of Bashar!"

The atmosphere was electric, charged with a mixture of elation and a recognition of the uncertain future that lies ahead. Many in the crowd articulated dreams of liberty and justice, while others voiced fears for the future.

The Assad dynasty, which ruled Syria for over 50 years, has left behind a legacy stained by violence and persecution. 

The outbreak of the revolution in 2011 was met with ruthless repression, as the regime unleashed artillery and indiscriminate airstrikes on its own citizens in a desperate bid to maintain power.

The recent offensive by HTS which saw the capture of Syria's major cities and culminated in Assad's downfall, has unleashed a wave of optimism.

However, amid the jubilation, there are chilling reminders of the past. The liberation of political prisoners has unveiled the nightmarish conditions within Syria's prison system, revealing the extent of the regime's brutality.

Some people gathered at the square recounted the harrowing discoveries made in facilities like Saydnaya, where countless individuals vanished, and countless others were subjected to unspeakable horrors. The plight of the missing weighs heavily on the minds of many celebrating today.

One protester, Mohammad, an 18-year-old medical student from Deraa, told TNA: "The celebration is not complete until we find all those missing in Assad's jails. We never imagined Assad was capable of such evil until we saw the prisons."

Lama, a 24-year-old medical graduate from Deraa, shared her harrowing experiences of living under the Assad regime. "I lived my whole life under Assad. Our parents suffered a lot; we didn't know anything but his rule," she recounted to TNA.

Having experienced airstrikes since the age of ten, Lama recalls the fear that haunted her childhood, a chilling reminder of the violence that enveloped her homeland. "In 2014, we had to leave Deraa during the revolution."

"When we heard that the rebels had entered Aleppo, we didn't believe it. We thought it would end there, but it spread all the way to Damascus."

Despite the turbulence, Lama expresses hope for a more peaceful future.

"I fear we might become like Libya or Iraq, but we are not a violent people. We want peace," she states. While acknowledging the anxiety among various religious groups in Syria, including Alawis, Shia and Christians, she urges them to abandon their fears. "There is no need for worry; we can build a nation that represents us all."

The call for justice was echoed by Abdullah Alhafi, a 42-year-old coordinator for a local NGO.

"I was forced to leave Ghouta by the regime in 2018. When I left, I thought I would never return," he explained to TNA. However, upon his return to Damascus on a significant day — the same day Assad fled the country — Abdullah felt as though he was waking from a long nightmare. "In 2011, it was a dream just to say the word 'freedom'. Now, however, all our dreams are fulfilled; we feel reborn," he declares.

Despite his traumatic experiences, Abdullah holds a vision for Syria's future. "We are not afraid of a Muslim government; we are revolutionary. Syrians are peaceful people who don't wish for more bloodshed," he states, emphasising the importance of rebuilding a nation for all Syrians, irrespective of their backgrounds.

Mona Rasoul, who is from Aleppo but now resides in Damascus, told TNA. "From the minute the rebels entered Aleppo, I felt this is it. This is the moment we will be free," she said. "I can't stop crying for all those we've lost in the revolution. Assad was a great evil; anyone who defends him is a criminal."

Mona called for unity and collaboration among all factions and sects within Syria. 

"We are all one," she insisted, emphasizing her willingness to contribute, whether through cleaning the streets or participating in the reconstruction of her nation. "What we've achieved is amazing. There is no more fear," she added. 

In the aftermath of Syria's long and brutal conflict, concerns within the Alawi community remain palpable, according to political analyst Samer Dahy. Speaking to TNA, Dahy, who is Alawi noted that while the Alawis grapple with uncertainty about the future, the absence of widespread acts of revenge thus far has provided a degree of reassurance.

"Assad's regime has divided the people, and now, for the first time, we have an opportunity to foster unity," Dahy remarked, reflecting a growing sentiment among many Syrians.

He expressed a cautiously optimistic view about the future, yet lamented the prolonged suffering the population endured due to the government's refusal to address even the most basic of rights.

"We could have reached this moment much sooner had Assad listened to the people. Instead, he chose to attack his own citizens, leading to the deaths of thousands. Even those who once supported him now express shock at the horrific events in Saydnaya, unaware of the extent of his brutality," Dahy stated, suggesting that Assad has alienated a significant portion of his former base.

The analyst further explained that the abrupt departure of Assad was a tipping point for many Alawis, severing the perceived bond of loyalty. "They felt abandoned by him," Dahy asserted, alluding to a growing concern within the sect.

Yet, he remains hopeful for an inclusive future for Syria. "Now, we stand at a crossroads. Syria has a genuine opportunity to rebuild and emerge as a unified nation deserving of a brighter future. We have endured tremendous suffering; it is time to aspire for a future that encompasses all the people of Syria"