Economic crisis left by ousted Baath regime hits Syrians hard during Ramadan

DAMASCUS / ANKARA

Syrians, who celebrated the fall of the Baath regime, are observing their first Ramadan without it under the shadow of economic crisis and poverty.

Markets have been decorated for the holy month, with traditional foods, drinks, and sweets filling the stalls.

However, the nearly 14-year civil war and the resulting economic crisis continue to impact Syrians' purchasing power during the holy month.

Although the collapse of the Assad regime led to a significant drop in basic food prices, delays in government salaries and persistently low wages have prevented economic activity from picking up.

Despite a small crowd forming two hours before iftar, shopkeepers complained about insufficient sales due to economic hardships.

Damascus resident Mohammed Nuweidir told Anadolu that Ramadan this year feels completely different compared to previous years, with a drop in prices for many goods.

However, he attributed the lack of market activity to weak purchasing power, saying that most people rely on remittances from relatives abroad and that salaries in public institutions have not been paid yet.

He added that private sector employees earn around 1 million Syrian liras ($100) per month, making it difficult for markets to thrive.

‘Best Ramadan’ in 14 years

Qutaiba Zaydan also described the first Ramadan without the Baath regime in 61 years as positive, adding that while goods are available, people lack the money to purchase them.

"We expected the first Ramadan after Assad to be better, with more cash in circulation,” he said, adding: “But no matter what, this is the best Ramadan we have had in 14 years.”

“We hope for even better conditions," he stressed.

Ridwan Lababidi expressed optimism for the future, saying that while the economy remains stagnant and production has not yet fully resumed, people feel relieved.

Shopkeeper Ridwan Hayek emphasized that the Meydan district is one of the most important areas in the capital, adding that before the regime fell, people lived in despair.

Now, despite financial struggles, they smile, and the way they interact with each other has changed.

Hayek also pointed out that weak purchasing power continues to affect market activity.

Damascus-based chef Mohammed Yahya explained that yogurt-based dishes are common in the early days of Ramadan and described the variety of dishes on Ramadan tables.

"Today, the economy is in terrible shape for everyone, and Syria is in ruins. We must work together to rebuild our country," Yahya said.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, 2024, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.

Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a transitional period on Jan. 29.