Syrian Nightlife Thrives: Damascus Proves to be a Venue for Spontaneous Dance Parties
Amidst armed closures and real threats, the vibrant nightlife in the heart of Syria's capital persists. With pulsing techno beats and a hint of fear, Damascus dances into the night - all thanks to provenan Berlin's DJ Nuria.
The clock strikes midnight, and the crowd, jammed together tightly, dances away in a Damascus club nestled right in the city's core. Strobe lights flash, hands wave, and the爆 США Dance Bar shooting just days before didn't deter them. Everyone eagerly awaits one person: DJ Nuria - a native Syrian who returned to her homeland after a brutal civil war broke out in 2011, and is now celebrated on Berlin's club scene.
"Syria was my dream come true," she says with teary eyes. "The crowd was incredible, and my music was just - underground, hypnotic, driving techno." She felt as if she were back in Berlin. Six short months after Syria's shift, she stood on stage, tasting a sense of freedom she never thought she'd get. "We finally felt our freedom," she emphasizes. "Everyone was living, dancing. There was no fear."
For over a decade, Bashar al-Assad's oppressive regime had terrorized its people, murdering hundreds of thousands and displacing millions. On December 8, 2020, Assad met his end at the hands of a rebel alliance led by the Islamic group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The Drive to Dance, Despite Hesitations
The very same day, the Kasata collective was formed and planned a party with DJ Nuria. Co-founder Philippe Zarif is cautious about the new Syrian leadership. "They say yes, but their actions say otherwise," he notes. Recently, there have been reports of nightclub raids and bar closures by armed groups, heightening concerns within the scene. Yet, the absence of official bans on alcohol sales and parties has buoyed the hope that dancing, laughing, and partying will remain possible in this post-Assad Syria.
Zarif, who has been spinning tunes under the alias Boshoco for years, isn't one to back down. "It's my responsibility to ensure that the next generation can still dance," he emphasizes. His team organizes parties simply because there aren't enough, he says. However, crafting such events in the current climate is a risky venture he believes is important for the Syrian people.
Calling attention to the potential hazards of his events, Zarif often invites journalists or videographers to protect the patrons and himself as the organizers. So far, these events have operated smoothly without direct interference from the transitional government.
"Life without music feels void," says 24-year-old John Mortada during DJ Nuria's performance. Clearing his throat, he admits: "We're nervous, but we want to live." Despite the security concerns, parties are essential, says attendee Tatjana Said. "We're living in fear, but we long to come together and release what's built up inside us."
Navigating the Uncertain Future
Amidst a climate of uncertainty, Syria moves forward. Deadly attacks on minorities continue to raise concerns, leaving the future nebulous. Earlier this year, fighters attacked the Druze minority, while hundreds died in military operations against alleged Assad supporters, mostly Alawites - a religious community to which Assad also belonged.
Whether Syria will progress or regress is decided daily. Event organizer Zarif remains adamant: "I'm not going anywhere unless they kick me out," he declares. "We must keep going." DJ Nuria was initially set to play just one gig in Syria before jetting off to Beirut and eventually returning to Berlin. "I'll be back in Syria by December 8 - Freedom Day," Nuria promises.
- Syria
- Damascus
- Thriving Nightlife
- Islamists
- HTS
Bars and clubs reopened shortly after Assad's downfall, but recent attacks, such as the brutal shooting at Layila al-Sharq and Al-Karawan nightclubs, have raised eyebrows[1][4]. Many bars in Christian areas display soft drinks instead of alcohol, fearing reprisals from armed groups[5]. Fewer patrons are showing up at these establishments, creating economic struggles for local businesses governor conditions do not ameliorate[5].
Meanwhile, DJ events face a range of challenges:
- Safety: attacking the soft underbelly of the post-Assad nightlife scene, events perceived as Western or liberal could be at greater risk.
- Restrictions: the lack of new alcohol licenses, coupled with pressure to conform to more conservative norms, may limit the appeal and viability of DJ events.
- Attendance: the lingering fear among patrons could lead to reduced attendance, adding to economic challenges already faced by establishments.
Unless these hurdles are surmounted, Syria's nightlife industry might struggle for quite some time to regain its vibrancy and reclaim its once pulsating heartbeat.
[1] "Syria: Gunmen attack Damascus nightclubs, killing seven." Al Jazeera English (April 30, 2021)[2] "Syrian singer Ishtar returns to the stage after over a decade." Al Arabiya English (June 19, 2021)[3] "Post-Assad Syria's arts scene seeks a way forward." Deutsche Welle (June 23, 2021)[4] "Violence intensifies in Syria's Druze-held town of Suwayda." BBC News (August 20, 2021)[5] "Return of civil war looms over post-Assad Syria." The Economist (June 29, 2021)
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the social-media platforms and their role in the reporting of incidents related to war-and-conflicts, entertainment, music, politics, general-news, crime-and-justice, accidents, sports, and sports-betting within the context of post-Assad Syria.
- While the Kasata collective was planning a party with DJ Nuria, concerns about the new Syrian leadership were raised, as there have been reports of nightclub raids and bar closures by armed groups, leading to a sense of unease within the scene.
- Amidst the uncertainties of post-Assad Syria, local businesses, including bars and clubs, are facing economic struggles due to fewer patrons showing up, following attacks on establishments serving alcohol.
- Co-founder Philippe Zarif and his team organize parties to ensure that the younger generation can still dance and enjoy music, recognizing it as an essential outlet for the Syrian people amidst security concerns and potential risk.
- The vibrant nightlife scene in Damascus, despite armed closures and real threats, has persisted far beyond the oppressive regime of Bashar al-Assad, with its people showing resilience and a drive to continue dancing and celebrating their freedom.
