Zuhair Sulaiman returns to Daraya for Ramadan after years of displacement in Egypt and Lebanon. This is his first Ramadan in Syria in over a decade, evoking feelings of nostalgia and loss despite the relief of being home.
Zuhair Sulaiman, along with his wife, awaits the call to prayer in their living room, poised to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Having returned to his hometown of Daraya post-President Bashar Assad’s ousting last December, Sulaiman had previously resided in Egypt and Lebanon since 2014. This Ramadan marks the first occasion in over a decade he observes this sacred time in his native land. While he experiences joy from returning home, he expresses a sentiment of absence, indicating that something is missing from this poignant return.
The narrative of Zuhair Sulaiman embodies the emotional complexity of returning to one’s homeland after years of displacement. While he finds happiness in celebrating Ramadan in Daraya, the feeling of loss highlights the challenges that come with such a return. This situation underscores the broader experience of many displaced individuals seeking to reconnect with their roots amidst the remnants of conflict.
Original Source: apnews.com
