Amid the celebrations that erupted both within Syria and across the globe following the dramatic fall of the Assad regime, one community remains overshadowed by uncertainty and fear — Syria’s Christian minority. While the toppling of Bashar al-Assad represents a significant turning point in the Syrian conflict, the plight of Christians in the country highlights a sobering reality that underscores the fragile nature of Syria’s future.
Prior to the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, Christians accounted for roughly 10 percent of Syria’s population, translating to approximately 1.5 million people. Over a decade of relentless conflict, that number has now dwindled to around 300,000. Many Christians fled the country for the same reasons as millions of other Syrians: unrelenting violence, economic devastation, and societal collapse. However, for Syria’s Christian community, an additional layer of persecution emerged — one rooted in religious identity, as radical jihadist groups increasingly targeted Christian enclaves.
The fall of the Assad regime has exacerbated these fears. Islamist forces led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an al-Qaeda offshoot and a designated terrorist organization by the U.S. and U.K., orchestrated a sweeping offensive that captured Aleppo, Homs, and Damascus. Bashar al-Assad resigned and reportedly fled to Russia, marking the end of his decades-long rule. For Syria’s Christians, the shift of power into the hands of Islamist-led rebel forces has created an atmosphere of deep anxiety.
Since its takeover of Aleppo, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham has attempted to present itself as a more pragmatic force. In a publicized visit to Aleppo’s historic citadel, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani delivered a speech aimed at soothing fears among the city’s diverse communities. “Aleppo has always been a meeting point for civilizations and cultures, and it will remain so, with a long history of cultural and religious diversity,” al-Jolani stated as reported by certain sections of the media. He pledged to protect civilians, including Christians, a notable shift in rhetoric for the group, which has long been associated with extremist ideologies.
Despite such assurances, fear remains pervasive among Aleppo’s Christian community. Once numbering in the hundreds of thousands before the war, Christians in Aleppo are now estimated at around 30,000. Their dwindling presence underscores the disproportionate toll that conflict and persecution have exacted on Syria’s religious minorities. Many Christians view the promises made by HTS with skepticism, fearing restrictions on their religious practices, societal discrimination, and the possibility of further violence.
The city of Aleppo — once a vibrant hub of cultural and religious coexistence — now stands as a stark symbol of Syria’s devastation. Churches, some of which date back centuries, have been destroyed or severely damaged. The Christian community that remains is left grappling with whether to stay and preserve their traditions or join the exodus to neighboring countries and the West.
HTS’ ideological agenda, grounded in strict Salafist interpretations of Islam, has transformed areas under its rule into a harsh environment where non-Muslims face systematic discrimination, threats, and erasure of their cultural presence.
Idlib province, which has been under HTS control since 2019, serves as a harbinger of what awaits Christians in newly captured regions. For years, Idlib’s Christians have endured laws that segregate them from the majority population and enforce HTS’ strict Islamist vision.
Women cannot appear in public without a hijab or male guardian. For Christian women, this decree is a forced erasure of identity—transforming them into faceless figures in a society that barely tolerates their existence. Schools that once taught Christian history or religion have been purged of these subjects, replaced by curricula that reflect HTS’ ideology.
Churches, though not entirely destroyed, operate under constant scrutiny. The ringing of church bells—one of the most audible symbols of Christian life—has been banned, leaving congregations to gather in silence, as if mourning their loss of visibility and voice. “The silence is deafening,” remarked a priest in Idlib. “Our community gathers to pray, but we know we are watched. Even our prayers feel like defiance.”
This forced marginalization is not limited to cultural practices but extends to economic survival. Christians are often excluded from key industries, and many face extortion in the form of jizya—a tax historically imposed on non-Muslims under Islamic rule. For those unable to pay, the consequences are severe, driving families to flee or sink deeper into poverty.
The recent ousting of the Assad regime from major regions, including parts of Damascus and surrounding areas, signals not liberation but the beginning of a darker period for Christians. In HTS-controlled territories, the veneer of tolerance promised by their leadership has done little to hide their underlying intent: imposing Islamist doctrine through rigid laws and social practices.
While HTS attempts to portray itself as a moderate Islamist group on the international stage, its actions on the ground paint a starkly different picture. The group’s leadership claims they will not impose their rules universally, aiming to secure legitimacy and support. However, the reality for Christians in HTS-controlled regions betrays these promises.
This duplicity serves two purposes. First, it helps HTS maintain a veneer of political pragmatism, necessary for dealing with foreign entities and other rebel factions. Second, it allows them to consolidate their power while gradually implementing their ideological agenda. For Christians, this strategy is a trap—delaying their persecution rather than preventing it.
The rise of HTS and the fall of Assad’s strongholds have created an existential crisis for Syrian Christians. With each passing day, their communities shrink, their voices are silenced, and their cultural heritage is erased. Yet, amidst the despair, there remains a glimmer of resilience.
Christian leaders and advocates within Syria and the diaspora continue to call for international intervention, urging global powers to recognize and respond to their plight. Humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to provide support, whether through refugee resettlement or direct aid to those who remain.
For Syrian Christians, survival is not just about preserving their lives but also their identity, faith, and place in a land that has been their home for centuries. “We will not disappear,” said a Christian activist. “Even if our numbers dwindle, even if our bells are silenced, we will carry our faith and our history forward.”
The plight of Syrian Christians under HTS rule is a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by religious minorities in times of conflict. With the fall of the Assad regime and the rise of extremist governance, Syrian Christians are caught in a cruel reality of oppression and erasure.
As the world watches the shifting dynamics of Syria’s war, the voices of these Christians—silenced by fear and persecution—must not be ignored. Their struggle is not just a battle for survival but a plea for recognition, justice, and the freedom to live and worship without fear. The international community cannot afford to turn a blind eye, for in doing so, it risks losing not just a people, but a vital thread in the rich tapestry of Syria’s history.