Day 6 in Syria 🇸🇾

While filming This Is Syria, we spent time with Ghassan Hitto and the team at Syria Forum, visiting a school for children and a women’s centre supporting communities as they rebuild after years of war.

One image from the school stayed with us: a sign reading “No weapons allowed.” A small reminder of the reality many Syrian children have grown up around.

But alongside those reminders of the past, we also saw people focused on what comes next: education, skills, sustainable livelihoods and helping Syrians build greater independence for themselves and their families.

We also spoke with Ghassan Hitto and the Syria Forum team about the challenges of rebuilding a country after more than a decade of war.

The quote on the final slide perhaps captures something of the Syria we encountered:

“Leave no room for despair within you.”

This Is Syria. Coming soon, insha’Allah.

Day 7 in Syria through photos 🇸🇾

Aleppo gave us one of those days that held both beauty and weight.

We wandered through the old city, explored its historic market and picked up a few Syrian souvenirs along the way.

We then spent time with Ali and Ghousoun in their home, speaking with them for the documentary about their lives and experiences. When the conversation ended, they did what Syrians do so generously: they welcomed us around the table and fed us a delicious homemade meal.

Later, we travelled to northern Aleppo, where we heard from Syrians about life under siege and what they endured under Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Between the conversations, the food, the streets and the hospitality, Day 7 showed us an Aleppo shaped by what it has endured, but still defined by the warmth and generosity of its people.

This Is Syria in association with Now Pictures. Coming soon, insha’Allah.

Tomorrow at 6PM BST, we have Qutaiba Idlibi on The Thinking Muslim.

We ask whether the new Syria has secured its independence, or if the fall of Assad has made it a proxy for other powers.

Tune in on our YouTube channel at 6PM BST.