Syrian Refugees in Scotland Celebrate End of Assad’s Rule

Syrian refugees residing in Scotland have been commemorating the conclusion of President Bashar al-Assad’s governance. Following the takeover by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tah-rir al-Sham (HTS) and its associated factions, numerous refugees are now considering returning to their native land. Tasnim Helmi and her husband Mohamed found refuge in Scotland in 2016, having escaped Syria with their two-year-old daughter. They established a new life on the Isle of Bute, where they launched Helmi’s bakery. Tasnim’s family had previously resided in Darayya, a town situated five miles (8km) south-west of Damascus, the capital city. In 2012, residents of Darayya faced a massacre after their opposition to Assad became known. Subsequently, local advocacy groups confirmed that a minimum of 700 individuals perished in an assault targeting civilians. Tasnim stated, “We weren’t safe in Syria at all.” She continued, “We were bombed and managed to escape at the last minute. It was terrible.” She added, “We were lucky to be out before they sieged the town. Many lost their lives that day.” Tasnim recounted that upon her family’s later return, the city was devastated and permeated with “the smell of death.” She also shared, “My dad got imprisoned for peacefully demonstrating and he saw the worst 30 days of his life.” Furthermore, she mentioned, “He was tortured in the prisons of Assad. He is very glad to be safe now but every time he remembers he gets tearful.” Bashar al-Assad assumed the presidency in 2000, succeeding his father Hafez after his death. In 2011, he violently suppressed a peaceful, pro-democracy movement, which ignited a catastrophic civil war. Over half a million individuals have lost their lives, and 12 million more have been compelled to abandon their residences. Tasnim expressed that for years after her departure, she felt despair regarding the country’s state, but she was “thrilled” upon learning of the collapse of Assad’s regime. She remarked, “It was a night that all Syrian people will remember forever.” She further stated, “We have mixed feelings about the unknown future, but there is nothing worse than the years we’ve been through under the Assad’s family dictatorship.” She concluded, “We’re very glad that we were still alive to watch this.” Tasnim noted that her family had been warmly received in Scotland and benefited from significant support from the local community. Their bakery enterprise expanded to Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, and the West End of Glasgow. She informed BBC Scotland News of her aspiration to visit relatives in Syria in the near future. She commented, “We’ve got two homes now and we’re very lucky.” Yaman Sarsar departed Damascus in 2012 following efforts to enlist him in the military. He recounted, “Assad’s regime wanted to take me to fight for them.” He questioned, “But to fight who? My other Syrians, my people?” He explained, “I don’t agree with it, so that’s why I left Syria. And since then, I couldn’t go back because they would take me to the prison or to fight for them.” The 38-year-old currently resides in Inverness in the Highlands with his spouse and two offspring. He expressed great satisfaction upon hearing the developments from his native land. He stated, “We were waiting for this moment for years and years.” He elaborated, “The situation in Syria was very bad and we weren’t able to say anything against [Assad] or his people. There was no justice or fairness.” He concluded, “But we are all looking forward to building a Syria for all Syrians, not just Assad and his group.” Assad departed Syria on Sunday, seeking refuge in Moscow, mere hours after rebels entered Damascus and throngs assembled in the streets to commemorate. Yaman mentioned having communicated with acquaintances and relatives in Damascus who were joyful yet apprehensive about contemplating the future. Although he was “very excited” by the collapse of the Assad dictatorship, he indicated that he would postpone any decisions regarding a return to Syria. He remarked, “I want to see how the situation goes because it’s not the best at the moment.” He added, “We all want to see Syria stable and built up again.” He expressed, “I love it here in Inverness, the people are very welcoming.” However, he qualified, “But my heart belongs to where I was born and my history there. So I’m looking forward to going back – but we need to wait.”