ALEPPO, Syria

Thousands gathered Saturday in Aleppo to attend a concert organized by the London-based humanitarian organization, Syria Relief, as life begins to normalize in Syria under opposition-controlled areas with residents continuing to celebrate newfound freedoms.

The four-hour concert featured renowned Syrian artist Yahya Hawwa with attendees enjoying an evening filled with music, revolutionary and resistance-themed songs and anthems.

Syrian flags waved across the venue as the concert concluded peacefully, offering vibrant and colorful scenes.

Fall of Syria’s 61-year Baath regime

Clashes between anti-regime armed groups and forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad intensified Nov. 27, leading to significant shifts in the country.

Between Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, opposition groups gained control of major provinces, including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama and Homs.

By Dec. 7, as opposition forces entered the national capital of Damascus, widespread public support helped the groups dismantle regime control.

The Baath Party's 61-year rule officially ended Dec. 8 when Assad fled the capital to Russia, where he and his family sought asylum.

The Syrian National Army, meanwhile, launched the Dawn of Freedom operation in December, successfully liberating the town of Tel Rifaat from the PKK/YPG terror organization on the first day.

The operation also secured Manbij, clearing the western Euphrates region of PKK/YPG presence.

Following the regime's collapse, a transitional government was formed, with Mohammed al-Bashir appointed interim prime minister until March 2025.

Türkiye reopened its embassy in Damascus on Dec. 14, and several Western countries have since sent delegations to the Syrian capital.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul