Syrian Christians in Aleppo express relief and hope after city’s stabilization under opposition forces

• ‘I’m smiling because I’m happy. I was terrified before. Now there is love and God is with us’
• ‘The opposition members who have returned to Aleppo are like our own children’–
• “Our hopes for a peaceful and calm life grow stronger every day,” Aleppo residents tell Anadolu

ISTANBUL

Syrian Christians in Aleppo have expressed their happiness at the return of stability, peace and a sense of unity to the city, now under the control of opposition forces.

Residents prepare to celebrate Christmas after years of conflict and fear.

During a visit to the Aziziyeh neighborhood of Aleppo, a predominantly Christian area, Anadolu photographers captured scenes of life returning to normal. The shops have reopened and people are walking the streets again.

Since November 27, clashes have broken out between anti-regime groups and regime troops in several areas of the country. On November 29, anti-regime forces entered Aleppo.

Smiles and relief

“Look at my face. I’m smiling. Because? Because I’m happy. I was terrified before, but now there is love and God is with us,” Joseph Fannon, a local store owner, expressed his relief and joy while speaking to Anadolu.

Fannon recalled the initial fear but highlighted the kindness shown by the opposition forces. “They came with roses and bread. How could I resist them? “I hugged them,” he said.

“Since yesterday, a thousand people hugged me and kissed my head and shoulders. They called me their Syrian companion, their brother. These are not strangers; “They are my people.”

Speaking of displaced Aleppo residents, Fannon added: “Many have called me asking for their safe return. We need to open the roads for them. Look at these empty buildings: they should go home.”

He highlighted the difficulties suffered during the siege, including shortages of electricity, fuel and gas. “Bread was scarce and rationed through a smart card system. Today I distributed 500 packages of free bread because now there is enough for everyone. With a full stomach comes love,” he said.

Christmas celebrations after years of conflict

Regarding Christmas celebrations, Fannon commented: “Christmas represents the coming of Christ: love and peace. We celebrate with our Muslim brothers during their holidays and they celebrate with us. “Christ brought us love and we put up a Santa Claus symbol that represents the gifts he will give us.”

He concluded with a sincere appeal to Syrians: “I say: come back. Aleppo is now safe and for those who are abroad: everything has returned: peace, work and faith. Before I lived in fear, but now I say :Welcome home.”

“Here the ties between Christians and Muslims are strong”

Other neighbors also echoed this optimism.

Umm Aziz Bahou, who recently returned from Italy, said: “The opposition members who entered Aleppo are like our own children. The ties between Christians and Muslims here are strong.”

He also pointed out the current needs in the city, adding: “Right now, we need clean water, sanitation and other basics. But we are very happy.”

Manu Kyushkaryan, another resident, spoke of challenges such as high costs of living and disruption of communications. “We can’t easily contact family members to let them know what’s happening.”

“Water shortages persist, even for drinking, although electricity supply has improved significantly,” he explained.

He also drew attention to rising prices. “The cost of living is too high. We need better pricing regulations to make life easier for everyone. “Despite these challenges, we feel more comfortable and are returning to normal routines,” he said.

Reflecting on Christmas, Kyushkaryan added: “Aleppo endured bombings and hardships during the war. But with the return of friends, we can begin a new chapter. Our hopes for a peaceful and tranquil life grow stronger every day.”

‘We want to live and die here’

He also delivered a message to the international community: “We don’t need money. We need our schools, churches and heritage preserved. We are Syrians from Aleppo. “We want to live and die here.”

Clashes between Syrian regime forces and anti-regime groups first broke out on November 27 in western rural Aleppo.

By November 30, the armed forces had taken control of most of Aleppo’s city center and established their dominance over the entire Idlib province.

On December 5, after heavy fighting, anti-regime forces captured the city center of Hama.

Meanwhile, on December 1, the Syrian National Army launched Operation Dawn of Freedom against the PKK/YPG terrorist group in the Tel Rifaat district of Aleppo countryside, liberating the area from terrorist elements.

*Written by Mohammad Sio

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