Life Returns to Sayyida Zainab After Recent Changes in Control
In the town of Sayyida Zainab, located south of Damascus, life is gradually returning to normal following the recent control of the area by Syrian opposition factions after the fall of the Assad regime. The streets, once bustling with security features, are now showing signs of normalcy, with most shops reopening despite a noticeable decline in commercial activity. Local markets are beginning to thrive again, although the number of visitors to the significant Sayyida Zainab shrine has decreased markedly since the regime's fall.
The Sayyida Zainab shrine, a vital religious site for Muslims, particularly Shiites, remains open to visitors. However, the number of pilgrims has dropped significantly, attributed to the recent political upheaval. Opposition fighters are currently overseeing the shrine's security, allowing visitors to enter with routine checks. This comes after a period of heightened security concerns, particularly following Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions in the area in early November.
Residents Hope for Stability and Improved Services
During a recent tour by Al Jazeera Net, residents expressed cautious optimism about the return of stability. Business owners, like Abu Mahdi Rashid, a perfume shop owner, noted that security has improved since the opposition's arrival, and they hope for a resurgence in tourism that is crucial for the local economy. However, basic services such as water and electricity remain inadequate, with residents like Hussein from the Hajira neighborhood highlighting ongoing shortages of essential goods like bread.
Despite the challenges, there are signs of improvement in the quality of bread available, although residents still face long queues at bakeries. The interim government, newly formed after the regime's fall, is working to address these service issues, but many locals remain hopeful for a more significant breakthrough in the near future. The Sayyida Zainab shrine continues to be a focal point for religious tourism, attracting visitors from various countries, especially during major religious celebrations.
