​​LATAKIA, Syria

Imam Zulfikar Fadil Gazal, a prominent figure in Syria's Alawite community, called for unity based on national identity, urging Syrians to set aside sectarian differences to build a stronger, united nation.

Gazal, the imam of Imam Alhasan Al Askari Mosque in Latakia, urged Syrians to rally around patriotism and solidarity as Syria moves into a new era following the fall of the Assad regime.

“If your sectarian affiliation harms your national affiliation, leave the sect and give priority to the homeland," Gazal told Anadolu.

"When the events began in Syria in 2011, we did not want the country to reach outcomes we did not desire, for the homeland to be divided, or for everyone to be devastated,” he said. "We called for implementing the principles of sanctity and love that bind Syrians together."

He emphasized that the foundation of a strong state and nation lies in love for the homeland, unity and sincere intentions.

“We tell everyone who listens to us, follows us, and hears our advice and sermons: The homeland and the love for it are the protectors of all sects, and every project and plan should be built upon this. There should be only one sect and that is the sect of love.”

Justice must prevail

He underscored the importance of accountability in preventing further harm, dismissing the relevance of a criminal’s sectarian affiliation.

"Anyone who commits a crime must be held accountable. The first step toward accountability is exposing wrongdoing and revealing its harm," he said. “Perpetrators must be held accountable so that they do not commit massacres or commit heinous and ugly acts again.”

He noted that post-Assad Syria, some issues were resolved through dialogue among all segments of society, aiming to build a state that avoids past mistakes and does not oppress its people.

Reflecting on Latakia’s post-conflict recovery, Gazal said the city is experiencing the benefits of reconciliation without retribution.

"In Latakia, we are experiencing the effects of a conquest and victory achieved without revenge," he said.

Despite sectarian differences, he stressed the inclusiveness of citizenship.

"Live your citizenship," he said. "Dissolve in the love for the homeland,” where all people become one heart, one sect, and one structure.

Optimism for future

Gazal expressed hope for Syria’s new era, praising the sincerity of the new leadership.

“The new authorities are sincere in their approach. Whether it's security or the officers who organize all our administrative tasks, we have encountered such examples everywhere. Even at the checkpoints outside the city, when we meet them, we see their tolerant faces and heartfelt affection.”

He highlighted improved relations with authorities, describing an environment of "good relations, refinement, ethics, integration, and love."

Bashar Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of the capital Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party’s regime, which had been in power since 1963.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan