Janice R. Andrews
Syrian refugees living in Scotland are marking the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s reign with celebration and mixed emotions. Following the takeover of Damascus by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies, many refugees are contemplating a potential return to Syria after years of displacement.
Escaping Oppression, Finding Safety
Tasnim Helmi and her husband Mohamed fled Syria in 2016, bringing their two-year-old daughter with them. They eventually settled on the Isle of Bute in Scotland, where they opened Helmi’s Bakery. Since then, they’ve expanded their business to Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, and Glasgow’s West End.
Before leaving Syria, Tasnim lived in Darayya, a town south of Damascus that became infamous for its opposition to Assad. In 2012, the town was the site of a brutal massacre, with more than 700 civilians killed by government forces.
“We were not safe in Syria,” Tasnim recalled. “We were bombed and had to escape at the last moment. When we briefly returned, the town was destroyed and filled with the smell of death. My father was imprisoned and tortured for peacefully protesting. Now that we’re safe, we still carry the scars of what happened.”
A Historic Moment of Hope
Bashar al-Assad, who became president in 2000 after the death of his father, led a regime known for its human rights violations. His violent crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2011 triggered a devastating civil war that has left over half a million dead and displaced millions.
Tasnim expressed joy at the news of Assad’s departure, calling it “a night all Syrians will remember.” While hopeful for the future, she is cautious. “The uncertainty ahead is daunting, but it’s still a relief to see the end of the Assad family dictatorship,” she said. “We’re grateful to be alive to witness this moment, and we hope for a better future for Syria.”
Although Tasnim is excited about the prospects for Syria, she’s wary about returning. “Scotland has given us a new home, and the community here has been incredibly supportive. But we dream of going back one day to reunite with family.”
A New Beginning for Syria
Another refugee, Yaman Sarsar, fled Damascus in 2012 after refusing to join Assad’s army. He now lives in Inverness with his wife and two children. Yaman described the oppressive atmosphere in Syria, where speaking out against Assad’s regime was dangerous.
“They wanted me to fight my own people,” Yaman said. “There was no justice, no fairness. We couldn’t voice our opposition. We’ve been waiting for this moment for years, and now that it’s here, it’s both a relief and a challenge.”
Assad fled to Moscow on Sunday, hours after rebels entered Damascus and people filled the streets to celebrate. Yaman spoke with family members still in Syria, who shared their joy but also concerns about the future.
“They’re happy but worried,” Yaman explained. “There’s a lot of uncertainty about what comes next. While I’m excited to see the dictatorship fall, I’m waiting before deciding to return. We want to see Syria stabilize and be rebuilt, not just for one group but for all Syrians.”
Looking Toward the Future
Although the fall of Assad marks a significant milestone, rebuilding Syria will be a long and uncertain process. Syrian refugees in Scotland, like Tasnim and Yaman, are hopeful but cautious, eager for a future where all Syrians can live in peace and prosperity.
For now, they’re grateful for the refuge they’ve found in Scotland. As they celebrate Assad’s downfall, they remain connected to their homeland and optimistic about contributing to its future when the time is right.
Tasnim reflected on her feelings: “We now have two homes, but our hearts belong to Syria. We look forward to returning one day to help rebuild our country.”
For the Syrian community in Scotland, the fall of Assad represents not just the end of a dictatorship, but the beginning of a new chapter full of hope and possibility.
