In a symbolic gesture aimed at easing sectarian tensions, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad visited a prominent Sunni mosque in Damascus, marking a rare public appearance at a religious site not aligned with his Alawite sect.
The visit, reported by Syria's state news agency SANA, saw Assad praying at the 14th-century Al-Adiliyah Mosque, one of the capital's most significant Sunni places of worship. The president was accompanied by religious officials and local leaders during the carefully orchestrated event.
A Calculated Political Move
Political analysts suggest this visit represents a strategic attempt by Assad to present himself as a unifying figure following years of civil war that have exacerbated sectarian divisions in Syria. The country's conflict has often been framed as pitting the Alawite-dominated government against Sunni rebel groups.
"This is clearly an effort to reshape the narrative," said Middle East expert Dr. Leila Hassan. "After securing military victory in most areas, Assad now needs to address the deep sectarian fractures that remain."
Mixed Reactions
The mosque visit has drawn mixed reactions both domestically and internationally:
- Government supporters hailed it as a genuine peace initiative
- Opposition figures dismissed it as empty propaganda
- International observers remain skeptical about its long-term significance
Notably, the mosque's imam praised Assad's leadership during the event, while state media emphasized the president's message of national unity.
Historical Context
Syria's complex sectarian landscape has been a defining feature of its decade-long conflict:
- Alawites, a Shia-derived sect, dominate government institutions
- Sunnis constitute the majority population but have been politically marginalized
- Other minority groups include Christians and Druze
Assad's visit comes as his government continues its gradual reacceptance into the Arab diplomatic fold, following years of regional isolation.
