Idlib, once ravaged by Syria’s prolonged civil war, is experiencing a revival as displaced citizens cautiously return and the region’s markets regain their vibrancy. In a detailed report by Rizik Alabi [1] for The Media Line, the northwestern Syrian city, long neglected under the Assad regime, is bustling again following the regime’s collapse. Markets in cities like Idlib, Sarmada, and Dana are thriving with shoppers from across Syria, offering a glimpse of normalcy after years of devastation. Residents attribute the resurgence to the end of airstrikes and oppressive control, allowing safer movement and economic activity.
Yet, the rebuilding process is far from complete. Many returnees, like Abu Hassan from Kafr Nabl, are starting from scratch, replanting destroyed orchards and rebuilding homes. Meanwhile, others, such as Khaled from Ma’arat al-Nu`man, remain hesitant to return due to destroyed properties and a lack of resources. The Islamist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham controls large parts of Idlib, and while its governance has enabled some economic recovery, challenges persist, including fragmented education systems and the massive cost of reconstruction, estimated at $200 billion.
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Idlib’s children, many of whom have known only displacement and conflict, symbolize both the tragedy and hope of Syria’s recovery. Despite the bustling markets, the region still grapples with educational disruptions and infrastructure damage.
For a deeper look into Idlib’s complex recovery and the challenges ahead, read Rizik Alabi’s full report [1].