- ‘I’m smiling because I’m happy. Before, I was terrified. Now there’s 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 quiet life grow stronger every day,’ Aleppo residents tell Anadolu
ISTANBUL
Syrian Christians in Aleppo have voiced their happiness following the return of stability, peace, and a sense of unity to the city, now under the control of opposition forces.
Residents are preparing to celebrate Christmas after years of conflict and fear.
During a visit to Aleppo's Aziziyeh neighborhood, a predominantly Christian area, Anadolu photographers captured scenes of life returning to normal. Shops have reopened, and people are once again strolling through the streets.
Since Nov. 27, clashes have erupted between anti-regime groups and regime troops in several areas across the country. On Nov. 29, the anti-regime forces entered Aleppo.
Smiles and relief
“Look at my face. I’m smiling. Why? Because I’m happy. I was terrified before, but now there’s love, and God is with us,” Joseph Fannon, a local shop owner, expressed his relief and joy while talking to Anadolu.
Fannon recalled the initial fear but emphasized the kindness shown by the opposition forces. “They came with roses and bread. How could I resist them? I embraced them,” he said.
“Since yesterday, a thousand people hugged me and kissed my head and shoulders. They called me their fellow Syrian, their brother. These are not strangers; they are my people.”
Speaking about displaced Aleppo residents, Fannon added: “Many have called me, asking for a safe return. We need to open the roads for them. Look at these empty buildings—they should come home.”
He highlighted the hardships endured during the siege, including shortages of electricity, fuel, and gas. “Bread was scarce, rationed through a smart card system. Today, I’ve distributed 500 bundles of bread for free because there’s now enough for everyone. With full stomachs comes love,” he said.
Christmas celebrations after years of conflict
Regarding Christmas celebrations, Fannon remarked: “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 set a Santa Claus symbol which represents the gifts it will give.”
He concluded with a heartfelt appeal to Syrians: "I say, come back. Aleppo is safe now and to those who are abroad: Everything has returned—peace, work, and faith. I used to live in fear, but now I say, welcome home.”
'Bonds between Christians, Muslims here are strong'
Other residents 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 bonds between Christians and Muslims here are strong.”
She also pointed to the ongoing 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 living costs and disrupted communications. “We can’t easily contact relatives to let them know what’s happening.”
“Water shortages persist, even for drinking, though electricity supply has improved significantly,” he explained.
He also called attention to rising prices. “The cost of living is too high. We need better regulations on prices 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 hardship during the war. But with the return of friends, we can begin a new chapter. Our hopes for a peaceful and quiet life grow stronger every day.”
'We want to live and die here'
He also delivered a message to the international community, saying: “We don’t need money. We need our schools, churches, and heritage preserved. We are Syrians Aleppans. We want to live and die here.”
Clashes between Syrian regime forces and anti-regime groups first erupted on Nov. 27 in the western countryside of Aleppo.
By Nov. 30, the armed forces had taken control of most of Aleppo’s city center and established dominance across Idlib province.
On Dec. 5, following intense fighting, anti-regime forces captured the city center of Hama.
Meanwhile, on Dec. 1, the Syrian National Army launched Operation Dawn of Freedom against the PKK/YPG terror group in the Tel Rifaat district of Aleppo's countryside, liberating the area from terrorist elements.
*Writing by Mohammad Sio
