Aleppo's Sharaa in Syria one year after the city's second fall

President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Saturday, marking one year since a rapid Islamist-led campaign that ultimately overthrew long-standing leader Bashar al-Assad last December. The Islamist coalition, led by Sharaa, entered Aleppo on November 29 of the previous year and quickly seized control of Syrias second-largest city.

"Aleppo has been reborn, and with it, the rebirth of all Syria. In moments like this, Aleppo and its iconic citadel were shaping a new chapter in Syrian history," Sharaa declared to a crowd of hundreds outside the historic fortress.

Following his speech, Sharaa was seen atop the citadels tower next to a massive Syrian flag.

Aleppo had been one of the earliest centers of anti-Assad protests in 2011, which escalated into full-scale civil war. For four years, the city was split, with government forces holding the western parthome to most residentsand rebels occupying a smaller eastern section. The Assad regime faced accusations of dropping barrel bombs from helicopters and aircraft on rebel-held areas, while insurgents launched rockets into government-controlled neighborhoods.

Russia, an ally of Assad, intervened in September 2015, assisting government forces in besieging the rebel-held east by cutting off its final supply line. Full government control was restored on December 22, 2016, when the last group of rebels and civilians evacuated eastern Aleppo.

Sharaa's Islamist faction began their rapid assault on November 27 last year, advancing to capture Damascus on December 8, toppling Assad and ending over fifty years of his familys rule.

Analysis: One Year After Aleppo’s Shift in Power

From my perspective, President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Aleppo underscores the consolidation of control by the Islamist coalition that overthrew Bashar al-Assad. The public appearance at the citadel, alongside a massive national flag, sends a clear signal of authority and legitimacy to both residents and external observers.

The speed of the coalition’s advance—from Aleppo to Damascus in under two weeks—reflects both strategic planning and the collapse of Assad’s defenses. Aleppo, a city that endured years of division and intense urban warfare, now serves as a symbolic centerpiece for the new leadership.

Looking at the broader context, this shift marks a significant turning point in Syrian history. The return of Aleppo to centralized Islamist control contrasts sharply with the previous civil war period, highlighting how rapidly the balance of power can change in a conflict-affected region.

However, the humanitarian and social consequences of these transitions remain critical. The city’s population, previously subjected to years of siege and airstrikes, faces ongoing challenges in reconstruction, public services, and reconciliation. The visit by Sharaa is as much about political messaging as it is about governance.

In conclusion, Aleppo’s anniversary under new leadership illustrates both the strategic success of Sharaa’s coalition and the complex task of stabilizing a city long devastated by conflict. The coming months will test the durability of these changes and their impact on broader Syrian recovery.

Sources:

• Syria's Sharaa in Aleppo a year after fall of second city