Syria's Business Owners Struggle to Adapt in Post-Assad Era
The toppling of President Bashar al-Assad has brought about a cultural flux that is leaving business owners like Abu Ali, owner of a tourist shop in Tartous, scrambling to adapt. A year after the regime change, shops are selling new merchandise, including flags and revolutionary slogans, rather than old-regime bumper stickers and T-shirts with Assad's face.
Ali's customers have dwindled, and he has been forced to close his shop temporarily due to security concerns. "Business is slow these days," he said. "Tourists and travelers used to come before, but now it's slowed down. We just need more security and things will improve."
The change in government has also affected the country's wine industry. Shadi Jarjour, owner of a winery in Tartous, reported that the sudden collapse of the regime led to an end to harassment from corrupt officials. However, despite private assurances from the new government, Jarjour is unable to sell his wine due to a lack of clear laws regarding alcohol sales.
The situation is not unique to Syria's tourism and wine industries. Bars have been raided and arbitrarily closed in Damascus, with authorities citing a need to enforce licensing regulations. However, many residents have taken to hosting their own underground parties, with some even using social media to promote their events.
Despite the uncertainty, Jarjour remains optimistic about his business. He hopes to expand his winery's market within Syria and eventually export bottles globally, making it a global brand that represents his country.
The post-Assad era is bringing about a new dynamic in Syria, one where business owners are learning to adapt to the changing landscape. As the country continues to navigate its new identity, it remains to be seen how the government will shape the cultural boundaries of expression and texture.
One thing is clear: Syrians are revelling in their newfound freedom, putting on plays about the brutality they suffered under the Assad regime and playing revolutionary songs that once could have earned them a spell in prison. However, as the country looks to rebuild, it must also confront the challenges of establishing a new sense of national identity.
For business owners like Jarjour, the road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: they will continue to adapt and evolve in response to the changing circumstances. As Jarjour said, "We are waiting to see what the new laws will be, and we hope it comes soon so we can get back to work."
The toppling of President Bashar al-Assad has brought about a cultural flux that is leaving business owners like Abu Ali, owner of a tourist shop in Tartous, scrambling to adapt. A year after the regime change, shops are selling new merchandise, including flags and revolutionary slogans, rather than old-regime bumper stickers and T-shirts with Assad's face.
Ali's customers have dwindled, and he has been forced to close his shop temporarily due to security concerns. "Business is slow these days," he said. "Tourists and travelers used to come before, but now it's slowed down. We just need more security and things will improve."
The change in government has also affected the country's wine industry. Shadi Jarjour, owner of a winery in Tartous, reported that the sudden collapse of the regime led to an end to harassment from corrupt officials. However, despite private assurances from the new government, Jarjour is unable to sell his wine due to a lack of clear laws regarding alcohol sales.
The situation is not unique to Syria's tourism and wine industries. Bars have been raided and arbitrarily closed in Damascus, with authorities citing a need to enforce licensing regulations. However, many residents have taken to hosting their own underground parties, with some even using social media to promote their events.
Despite the uncertainty, Jarjour remains optimistic about his business. He hopes to expand his winery's market within Syria and eventually export bottles globally, making it a global brand that represents his country.
The post-Assad era is bringing about a new dynamic in Syria, one where business owners are learning to adapt to the changing landscape. As the country continues to navigate its new identity, it remains to be seen how the government will shape the cultural boundaries of expression and texture.
One thing is clear: Syrians are revelling in their newfound freedom, putting on plays about the brutality they suffered under the Assad regime and playing revolutionary songs that once could have earned them a spell in prison. However, as the country looks to rebuild, it must also confront the challenges of establishing a new sense of national identity.
For business owners like Jarjour, the road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: they will continue to adapt and evolve in response to the changing circumstances. As Jarjour said, "We are waiting to see what the new laws will be, and we hope it comes soon so we can get back to work."
, like they're all trying to one-up each other with their new merch and whatnot. but for real tho, i feel bad for abu ali's shop – he's got security concerns and dwindling customers 
. it's a shame that tourism in syria is struggling so much.
. shadi jarjour seems like a cool dude who's trying to make the most of the situation, and i love his optimism about expanding his business globally 
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. we're seeing all these different reactions from people, whether it's hosting underground parties or making plays about the regime... and i think thats what makes it so complex 
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i mean, last year they were selling assad face t-shirts and now its all about revolutionary flags 
. business owners are struggling to keep up but im hopeful that jarjour's winery will be able to break through and become a global brand 
hope the new government sorts things out soon so businesses can thrive again 
and it'll be interesting to see how they adapt to the new dynamic 
now they can express themselves without fear 
and I hope the government allows them to do so in a way that's respectful of everyone's rights 
. And the uncertainty is killing them, man. They just want to do their thing and provide for their families.
. That's like, totally 21st-century entrepreneurship right there!
That would be, like, super helpful.
. and wine industry too? that's crazy! 
especially for small business owners like abu ali, he's struggling to make ends meet with all the security concerns 
and lack of clear laws. i hope jarjour's winery can turn things around soon, a global brand sounds amazing! but at the same time, it's interesting how syrians are embracing their freedom by putting on plays about their past experiences 
. maybe that's a sign of growth? 
. maybe syria can learn from other countries' mistakes and figure out a way to make it work? or maybe they'll just have to wing it like everyone else does 
and selling wine? idk if its always easy to just change your business model, but i guess thats part of the process. what do you guys think about this whole situation?
. One year on from the regime change, they're still figuring out how to stay afloat. I mean, who expects to have to adapt that quickly? It's like, they were just getting into the swing of things with Assad in charge, and now BAM! New rules, new laws... it's enough to drive you crazy 
I feel bad for Abu Ali's shop, dude... a year after the regime change and already struggling to stay afloat? 
It's like they need time to adjust, you know? And the wine industry situation is kinda crazy... Shadi Jarjour's winery has been legit for years, but now he can't even sell his own stuff due to some missing laws 
. It's like, they're not sure what's gonna work anymore. But here's the thing: they can't control the government, but they can control how they respond to it 
. Jarjour is choosing to stay optimistic & adapt to the changing landscape... that takes a lot of courage! 
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, trying to make ends meet in this uncertain time 
. The wine industry is a good example - it's like they were just waiting for someone to give them permission to operate again 
But seriously, Jarjour seems like a cool dude who's trying to make the best of a bad situation 
... like that one cafe in Tokyo that serves the most amazing matcha lattes? Anyway, have you guys tried that new coffee bean that's all the rage right now? It's supposed to be super high-quality and has this unique flavor profile that's just amazing. I know a few people who've been raving about it online 
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. But hey, I guess times are changing and people are moving on 
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. It's like, come on, guys, we've been waiting a whole year already 
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. Bring on the plays, revolutionary songs, and underground parties – I'm here for it!