Assala Nasri returns to Damascus for first concert in 15 years

Syrian singer Assala Nasri returned to perform in Damascus for the first time in 15 years, holding a concert at Al-Fayhaa Hall. The event, which featured songs from her new ‘Syrian Album’, drew significant attention due to her previous political stances and long absence from the country.

The concert sparked intense debate across Syria. While the Ministry of Culture and Syrian Minister Mohammad Yassin Saleh officially welcomed her, describing her as the ‘daughter of Damascus’, conservative religious figures launched protests. Some preachers called for the cancellation of the event, labeling it inappropriate, and posters for the concert were reportedly torn in the streets.

Beyond the religious friction, the event also highlighted economic tensions. Critics pointed to the high cost of tickets, ranging from $50 to $800, contrasting the luxury of the event with the difficult living conditions faced by many Syrians. The return is viewed by many as a symbolic moment in the country's evolving cultural and social landscape.