In a city which only a short while ago was associated with death, mortars, airstrikes, assassinations, and suicide bombings, Christmas cheer has replaced the sorrow. Twitter was ablaze with messages from the liberated Aleppo.
Christmas 2017 has been marked by a sense of relief as the city welcomes back some 600 000 displaced residents return to reclaim properties and possessions, ready to resume their normal lives again.
The giant Christmas tree in Aziziya square on the first anniversary of Aleppo’s liberation, was sent out via Syrian social media.
For three years, violent militants set out to destroy Aleppo. As the intense phase of fighting unfolded in 2016, coverage of the Syrian war will be remembered as one of the most shameful episodes in the history of the American media.
Aleppo residents are now showing the world that they have rejected a jihadist rule imposed from outside, instead proudly displaying their pluralistic culture and tolerance.
In Homs, a city with one of the largest Christian communities in Syria, the war has destroyed large areas, “but despite the destruction people have not lost their Christmas spirit” one onlooker tweeted.
Christmas in Homs. The city has one of the largest Christian communities in Syria. The war has destroyed large parts of the city, but despite the destruction people haven't lost their Christmas spirit. pic.twitter.com/8Do6WsaxJI
— Brenda Stoter Boscolo (@BrendaStoter) December 23, 2017
For many centuries going back to the Middle Ages, the city has been home to one of the largest Christian communities in the Middle East – a religious demographic which came under direct threat from the armed opposition groups which attacked the city starting in July of 2012.
Beyond the Christian community, Syrians of all backgrounds have also traditionally participated in the public Christian festivities.
The Lighting of #Christmas_Tree in #Blat village – #Wadi Alnasara. #Syria comes alive with Christmas lights & love everywhere that international terrorism has been defeated. No trees in #Idlib that UK FCO calls "Free Syria". #Proud_To_Be_British? Happy Christmas everyone! pic.twitter.com/S1QJJlQb6g
— vanessa beeley (@VanessaBeeley) December 22, 2017
In the capital Damascus too, streets were decorated with Christmas lights.
