The recent event that shook the city of Hama in Syria, with its encirclement by rebels and opposition fighters, raises crucial questions about the city’s troubled history. Hama, a strategic city located between Aleppo and Damascus, has witnessed many violent episodes that have deeply marked its past.
Over the past decades, the inhabitants of Hama have played a crucial role in the protest movements against the authoritarian regime of Bashar al-Assad. In 2011, during the popular uprising that shook Syria, the population of Hama mobilized massively to demand political and social change. Images of the demonstrations and clashes with security forces went around the world, testifying to the courage and determination of the inhabitants of this city.
But Hama’s tragic history dates back to the 1980s, when the city was the scene of a bloody crackdown by the regime of Hafez al-Assad, the father of the current president. In 1982, the Muslim Brotherhood, the main opposition force, launched an insurrection against the regime, provoking a brutal reaction from the authorities. The military operations carried out by government forces left thousands dead and deep scars in the collective memory of Hama’s residents.
Rifaat al-Assad, brother of Hafez al-Assad and leader of the dreaded “Defense Brigades,” was accused of orchestrating the bloody crackdown in Hama, earning him the nickname “The Butcher of Hama.” Recently sent to court in Switzerland for war crimes and crimes against humanity, Rifaat al-Assad embodies the brutality of the Syrian regime and the suffering inflicted on the people of Hama.
Beyond its troubled history, Hama is also known for its norias, the irrigation wheels that line the Orontes River and are a symbol of the city’s ingenuity and cultural wealth. These norias, a legacy of a glorious past, bear witness to the ability of Hama’s inhabitants to overcome hardship and preserve their heritage despite the vicissitudes of history.
Today, as the city of Hama is once again the scene of violence and political struggle, it is essential to remember its painful past and pay tribute to the resilience of its population. By documenting current events and shedding light on the complex issues at stake in Hama, it is possible to contribute to a better understanding of the situation in Syria and to the search for peaceful solutions for the future of the region.