Syrian Rhythms and Revelry: Nightlife Pulses in the Heart of War-Torn Damascus
Syrian Dance Party Held in Damascus
Past midnight, in the heart of Damascus, pulsating techno beats fill the air, illuminated by strobe lights as the crowd dances, their bodies swaying and pressing together. Despite a recent shooting in a nearby dance bar, this event is sold out, every ticket claimed. The reason? DJ Nuria from Berlin, a beacon of light for the Syrian people who fled from Assad's regime, is in town.
Nuria, a Syrian native, has not set foot in her home country since the brutal civil war began in 2011. Now she returns, a celebrated DJ, ready to ignite the crowd with her unique techno blend—an escape from the chaos surrounding them. "It was unimaginable to play in Syria," she echoes emotionally, her voice brimming with nostalgia. "The crowd was incredible. Our freedom, something we've waited for so long, was there," she adds, her voice trembling with emotion.
Just six months ago, on December 8, Assad was ousted by a rebel alliance led by Islamists. The same day, a collective, Kasata, was formed, fueled by the desire for a safe space where people could come together and let go of their awful realities. Co-founder Philipe Zarif, also known as DJ Boshoco in Syria and abroad, remains skeptical about the new Syrian leadership. He states, "I don't believe they want nightlife. They say yes, but act differently."
Recent reports of attacks on dance venues by armed groups and forced bar closures have stirred fear and uncertainty within the embattled scene. However, parties continue, driven by the desire for release and a glimmer of normalcy. Zarif explains, "It's my responsibility to make sure the next generation can still dance in this time." He organizes parties as there is a dire lack of them, despite the risks. "It's the good kind of foolishness," he quips.
Guests at the B Bar, located in the Damascus neighborhood of Bab Sharqi, revel in the music, their faces filled with joy. A 24-year-old reveler named John Mortada sums up their feelings, remarking that "music makes life taste better - it feels like something's missing without it." And they need these parties, he adds. "We need this to let go of all that's built up inside us."
Six months after Assad's ousting, the future of Syria remains precarious. Fears of further attacks on minorities continue to loom, as seen in recent attacks on the Druze minority and the tragic March military operation that claimed hundreds of lives, mainly Alawites, a religious community to which Assad also belongs.
A resilient Zarif is determined to continue offering events to the people, regardless of the outcome. "I won't leave this country," he affirms. "Unless they kick me out." He vows to keep going, emphasizing that "it's important that we keep going."
DJ Nuria's return to Syria was initially meant to be a one-time gig, but she plans to return by December 8, the Day of Freedom. Her brave defiance echoes the hopes and dreams of a nation that refuses to succumb to fear, instead choosing to dance in the midst of adversity.
Reference: ntv.de, Amira Rajab, Weedah Hamzah, dpa
- Syria
- Damascus
- Music
- Bashar al-Assad
- Islamists
- HTS
Insights:Under the watchful eye of armed groups and amidst the darkness of night, the pulsating heartbeat of music perseveres in Syria's capital, Damascus. The locale of the raves, the B Bar, operates under the threat of closure due to repeated attacks and the reluctance of the Syrian authorities to sanction such activities. The underground scene, opportunistically adapting to the changing political landscape, has seen a rise in alcohol consumption after government restrictions on liquor licenses. The mood, however, remains cautious, with many dancers leery of potential restrictions and reprisals.
Despite the chaos and violence that has engulfed the country, music acts as a release valve for the people, providing a platform for them to temporarily forget their troubles. Nevertheless, the uncertain future of post-Assad Syria casts a long shadow over the music scene, leaving many to wonder about the longevity of their ragtag dance floors.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on social media, considering its impact on the discussion and sharing of news about war-and-conflicts, entertainment, politics, and general news, particularly in contexts like Damascus.
- In the midst of the Syrian civil war, music, much like political discourse and general news, found its way to the social-media platforms, providing a venue for Syrians to express themselves, share their stories, and connect with others.
- As the new Syrian leadership grapples with rebuilding the nation, addressing the issues of nightlife, entertainment, and the encouragement of social activities, such as music events, might play a significant role in fostering a sense of normalcy and hope amongst its citizens.
