Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa performed the Eid al-Adha prayer at the Abdullah bin Abbas Mosque in Aleppo, marking the first time he has done so in a city other than the capital, Damascus, since assuming the presidency.
This move, which departs from the political tradition of remaining in Damascus, represents a symbolic turning point that transcends mere protocol, signaling a "new governing doctrine" based on breaking the central government's monopoly on power.
The prestige of the state has long been associated with Damascus in the Syrian collective consciousness. When Ahmad al-Sharaa chooses to go to the economic capital, he sends clear messages:
According to observers, President Ahmad al-Sharaa's decision to hold the Eid prayer outside Damascus is not simply a matter of protocol or logistics, but rather a strategic political decision that hints at the outlines of a new "governance project." This project relies on restoring direct ties between the head of state and the diverse national landscape.
Al-Sharaa wants to emphasize that the legitimacy of decisions is not derived from the closed rooms of Damascus, but rather from a tangible presence in the centers of social and productive power.
This step also aims to signal a renewed focus on the provinces: this measure breaks down the psychological barrier between the capital and the provinces, fostering a sense among citizens in those cities that they are a national priority, not merely administrative subordinates to Damascus.
It also reassures the economic elite, as al-Sharaa understands that the stability of the state depends on the stability of the economy. His presence in the industrial and commercial hubs on the holiday serves as a "covenant of honor," renewing trust between the state and the private sector, and signaling that the state places the economy at the forefront of its national priorities.
This decision also reflects a desire to establish a new "social contract" based on openness and dialogue, where the economic capital is viewed as an engine of national development, not merely as a human resource or tax revenue source.
According to the source, the direct repercussions of this approach can be observed within the context of President al-Sharaa's policies on several levels, including the political level, through reducing the central bureaucracy. The president's on-the-ground presence requires all state institutions to be more dynamic and responsive to the regional needs of each province, rather than waiting for potentially delayed central decisions.
From a social perspective, it aims to reduce the gap between the two regions. Feeling close to the decision-maker helps to absorb local tensions and strengthens the sense of participation in decision-making among citizens in outlying areas, which aligns with the trend toward promoting developmental decentralization.
Economically, there are signs of stability both domestically and internationally. The timing of the Eid prayer in the economic capital serves as a reassuring message to investors that the state is in control of its economic levers and that security prevails in production centers.
Observers are wondering whether linking this step to Ahmed al-Sharaa suggests a shift in the philosophy of governance; from a "state that rules from the center" to a "state that manages from the ground up."
Will these national religious visits become genuine platforms for announcing major economic and developmental projects in these provinces, or will they remain within the realm of political symbolism? The success of this approach depends entirely on the ability of al-Sharaa's team to transform the Eid prayer from a ritualistic moment into a launching pad for economic and political decisions that fundamentally address the woes of the economic capital.
The question that arises for discussion in light of this trend toward "field centralization" is: what concrete economic step do you believe will constitute "real proof" of the seriousness of this approach for the economic elites in the provinces? Is it granting full administrative and financial powers to the governors (decentralization of decision-making), or launching special economic zones with exceptional tax and customs privileges in those provinces?
Fares al-Rifai - Zaman al-Wasl
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