# Assala Nasri performs in Damascus after 16-year hiatus > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/assala-nasri-damascus-concert-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-18T06:01:34.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 4. Syrian singer Assala Nasri announced plans to return to Damascus for two concerts at Al-Fayhaa Sports Hall on September 17 and 19, marking her first performances in the capital in approximately 15 years. Organized under the slogan ‘Return of Authenticity’ with support from the Syrian Ministry of Culture and the Artists Union, the events were intended to symbolize a revitalization of the nation’s cultural life. Nasri also indicated that half of the concert profits would be donated to Syrian charitable organizations. As the scheduled performances approached, controversy emerged when individuals tore down concert advertisements in Damascus, citing religious and social objections. Despite this, tickets reportedly sold out within two days of their release. On September 17, Nasri performed at Al-Fayhaa Hall, marking her first official appearance in the city in 16 years. The two-hour show featured the Inana Band, led by Maestro Adnan Fathallah and directed by Bassem Christo, which incorporated traditional folk rhythms and Dabke dance. The program included selections from her new Syrian album, which contains 14 tracks inspired by the musical heritage of various Syrian provinces, blended with her classic repertoire. During the performance, Nasri opened with the anthem ‘Raise Your Head High, You Are a Free Syrian,’ a song associated with the revolution. Syrian Culture Minister Mohammad Yassin Saleh honored Nasri on stage, describing her return as a ‘victory for freedom’ and a symbol of the return of free Syrian citizens. Nasri, whose return follows political shifts in Syria in late 2024, expressed that performing for her people felt like a ‘dream realized’. The event has sparked intense debate. While officials welcomed her as the ‘daughter of Damascus’, conservative religious figures and preachers protested the event, labeling it inappropriate. ## Claims - Assala Nasri arrived in Damascus to prepare for a concert. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The concert is scheduled for Thursday, September 17. (corroborated by 3 sources) - This marks Assala's first musical performance in Syria in approximately 15 to 16 years. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The concert, titled ‘Return of Assala’, will take place at the Al-Fayhaa Sports Hall in Damascus. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The performance will include 14 songs inspired by Syrian heritage and folklore. (single source) - Tickets for the concert sold out within two days of being released. (single source) - The Syrian Ministry of Culture is sponsoring the event. (single source) - The head of the Syrian Artists Syndicate welcomed Assala's return to the country. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-18: Assala Nasri returns to Damascus for first concert in 15 years Syrian singer Assala Nasri returned to Damascus for her first concert in 15 years, sparking both official celebrations and religious controversy over the event. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/assala-nasri-performs-in-damascus-after-16-year-absence ### 2026-09-14: Assala Nasri returns to Damascus for concert after 15-year hiatus Singer Assala Nasri returns to Damascus for a concert on September 17 after a 15-year absence, amid official support and local social media debate. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/assala-nasri-returns-to-damascus-for-major-concert ### 2026-09-11: Assala Nasri concert advertisements torn down in Damascus Advertisements for Assala Nasri's upcoming Damascus concert were torn down by protesters, sparking social media debate ahead of her highly anticipated return to the Syrian stage on September 17. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/assala-nasri-concert-advertisements-torn-down-in-damascus ### 2026-08-22: Assala Nasri to perform in Damascus after 15-year absence Singer Assala Nasri will perform two concerts in Damascus on September 17 and 19, marking her first return to the Syrian capital in 15 years. She reportedly plans to donate half of the profits to charity. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/assala-nasri-to-perform-in-damascus-after-15-year-absence --- Cite as: Assala Nasri performs in Damascus after 16-year hiatus. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/assala-nasri-damascus-concert-controversy