Suddenly, Islamist rebels took control of Aleppo, leaving the city's Christian community in a state of uncertainty. Over nearly 14 years of civil war, the Christian population in Aleppo has drastically decreased from 300,000 to just 25,000. Many have sought refuge abroad, escaping the violence that has become all too common. The situation grew even more dire in 2013 when kidnappers abducted two of the city’s archbishops, their fate still unknown today.
In this new chapter of uncertainty, Christians are not the only ones concerned for their future; Muslims and nonreligious individuals alike share their apprehensions. The rapid change in power was unexpected and shocking for many. Just as they were reassured by state news that government forces were successfully repelling a rebel attack, they woke up to find Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in control—a group once affiliated with al-Qaeda but which has attempted to rebrand itself since severing ties in 2016.
HTS has taken steps to present itself as a more moderate force in Idlib, its base of operations. It provides social services and runs the local government there. Its leaders have made efforts to reach out to minority communities, including Christians and Druze, attempting to dispel fears about its past affiliations and actions. However, skepticism remains as HTS also enforces restrictions on non-Muslims and has confiscated land under its control.
The sudden withdrawal of Syrian government forces from Aleppo left many shocked. A Christian resident described the swift changeover: "There was a complete withdrawal," highlighting the speed at which HTS established control over daily life in Aleppo. Despite initial fears, HTS appears to be maintaining order without targeting religious practices directly—it has encouraged civil servants to stay at work and offered amnesty to soldiers.
The promises made by HTS have so far been kept according to some residents who note that rebels are not harassing people based on their faith. This approach seems aimed at winning over the local population's trust during this transitional period. Archbishop Boutros Kassis expressed cautious optimism regarding HTS's assurances while emphasizing his congregation's efforts to foster a sense of normalcy amidst turmoil by preparing for Christmas celebrations.
However, incidents that raise doubts about HTS's commitment to moderation have occurred. Pastor Zani Bakr recounted an instance where rebels instructed one of his parishioners to wear a hijab because she was outside without one—despite her explaining she was Christian.
The fear is particularly acute among recent converts from Islam to Christianity who worry about potential persecution under rebel rule. Despite these challenges, Pastor Bakr hopes for peace agreements that would allow life in Aleppo to return to some semblance of normality.
Yet, with Syrian government forces losing more territory and threats of resumed airstrikes looming large—the future remains uncertain for Aleppo's residents regardless of their faith tradition.
Aleppo has historically been a melting pot for diverse communities including one of Syria’s largest Christian populations which contributed significantly both culturally and politically throughout history as Joshua Donovan notes. But war has eroded much of this rich tapestry leaving behind only fragments.
As families continue fleeing or remain trapped amid ongoing conflicts—faith serves as both solace and source of unease depending on how events unfold under new rulership dynamics affecting everyone irrespective of religious beliefs or affiliations.
In this new chapter of uncertainty, Christians are not the only ones concerned for their future; Muslims and nonreligious individuals alike share their apprehensions. The rapid change in power was unexpected and shocking for many. Just as they were reassured by state news that government forces were successfully repelling a rebel attack, they woke up to find Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in control—a group once affiliated with al-Qaeda but which has attempted to rebrand itself since severing ties in 2016.
HTS has taken steps to present itself as a more moderate force in Idlib, its base of operations. It provides social services and runs the local government there. Its leaders have made efforts to reach out to minority communities, including Christians and Druze, attempting to dispel fears about its past affiliations and actions. However, skepticism remains as HTS also enforces restrictions on non-Muslims and has confiscated land under its control.
The sudden withdrawal of Syrian government forces from Aleppo left many shocked. A Christian resident described the swift changeover: "There was a complete withdrawal," highlighting the speed at which HTS established control over daily life in Aleppo. Despite initial fears, HTS appears to be maintaining order without targeting religious practices directly—it has encouraged civil servants to stay at work and offered amnesty to soldiers.
The promises made by HTS have so far been kept according to some residents who note that rebels are not harassing people based on their faith. This approach seems aimed at winning over the local population's trust during this transitional period. Archbishop Boutros Kassis expressed cautious optimism regarding HTS's assurances while emphasizing his congregation's efforts to foster a sense of normalcy amidst turmoil by preparing for Christmas celebrations.
However, incidents that raise doubts about HTS's commitment to moderation have occurred. Pastor Zani Bakr recounted an instance where rebels instructed one of his parishioners to wear a hijab because she was outside without one—despite her explaining she was Christian.
The fear is particularly acute among recent converts from Islam to Christianity who worry about potential persecution under rebel rule. Despite these challenges, Pastor Bakr hopes for peace agreements that would allow life in Aleppo to return to some semblance of normality.
Yet, with Syrian government forces losing more territory and threats of resumed airstrikes looming large—the future remains uncertain for Aleppo's residents regardless of their faith tradition.
Aleppo has historically been a melting pot for diverse communities including one of Syria’s largest Christian populations which contributed significantly both culturally and politically throughout history as Joshua Donovan notes. But war has eroded much of this rich tapestry leaving behind only fragments.
As families continue fleeing or remain trapped amid ongoing conflicts—faith serves as both solace and source of unease depending on how events unfold under new rulership dynamics affecting everyone irrespective of religious beliefs or affiliations.
