DAMASCUS, Syria / ISTANBUL 

Syrians are marking the first anniversary of the fall of the 61-year Baath regime with celebrations and renewed optimism that their country is transforming into a free, secure nation.

Residents of the capital Damascus say the hardships they faced under the ousted Assad regime have ended, expressing confidence that the new administration will lead Syria toward a better future, particularly in freedom, the economy, and security.

The new government, established after the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime, has taken steps to provide basic services, including electricity and civil servants’ salaries, while implementing decisions that directly affect citizens' daily lives.

A presidential decree in June raised civil servant salaries from 250,000 Syrian pounds (about $15 at the time) to 750,000 Syrian pounds (about $65).

Meanwhile, repair and maintenance work began on the country's power grid, which had suffered severe damage during 14 years of bombardment.

The country's Energy Ministry said that production capacity had risen following work at main power plants, aided by natural gas obtained from Azerbaijan with support from Türkiye.

Under the ousted government, electricity was available only a few hours daily, but new measures quickly extended this to 8-10 hours per day.

Moreover, major cities including Aleppo, Homs, and Damascus received uninterrupted 24-hour electricity on a trial basis for the first time in 15 years.

Prisons that left dark marks on the Syrian public, including Sednaya, the Mezzeh military prison, and Khatib, were permanently closed.

- 'Syria moving towards becoming a much better place'

Damascus resident Kris Tume said transportation was nearly paralyzed under the Assad regime, with people waiting hours for service due to fuel shortages.

"Now we find vehicles within seconds. Life has returned to normal because of access to gasoline and diesel," Tume said. "Syria is moving toward becoming a much better place."

She noted that technology was blocked from entering the country for years, with the artificial intelligence sector only beginning to develop this year.

"Change started with us," Tume said. "When people change, society changes too."

- 'Being able to return after 14 years is a revolution itself'

Zein al-Abidin, newly returned to Syria after 14 years, emphasized that even speaking on the street was forbidden under the ousted regime.

"In the past, expressing opinions was prohibited. Today we can make our voices heard comfortably," Abidin said.

"Those who say nothing has changed either don't see or don't want to see. Being able to return to my country after 14 years is a revolution in itself," he added.

He also noted visible improvements in infrastructure and services.

"Roads are being built, people are working not for money but to lift their country up," Abidin said.

- Country truly recovering

Maryam al-Khalid, another Damascus resident, said the security environment has improved incomparably compared to the past.

Pointing to previous difficulties accessing healthcare, Khalid said: "Yesterday ... a baby needing an incubator was admitted immediately. In the old days, this was impossible without pulling some strings."

She noted rapid improvements in city cleanliness, infrastructure, natural areas, and education.

"The country is truly recovering," Khalid said, adding that steps for improvement are making Syria more like other normal countries.

- 'Today there is trust everywhere'

Khalid al-Khatib, who had not visited Damascus since 2012, pointed to security oppression during the period under the Assad regime.

"It was like being in prison. Leaving the city was a dream," Khatib said. "Today there is trust, respect, dignity everywhere."

Pointing to an economic recovery, he said: "The dollar dropped from 17,000 (Syrian pounds) to 12,000. Everything is getting better. Syria deserves the best."

Ghadir Masifaa called the changes in his country a "divine miracle."

"I came from Jarablus to Damascus without ID, without a ticket. Not one person asked me: 'Where are you going?'" Masifaa said. "This is freedom."

Voicing optimism for his country's future, he said: "Syria is advancing, rising. The people are the engine of this change. I congratulate everyone returning to their country. Syria needs them."