Assala Nasri to perform in Damascus after 15-year absence

Syrian singer Assala Nasri is set to return to her audience in Damascus with a concert scheduled for September 17 at Al-Fayhaa Sports Hall, marking her first performance in Syria in 15 years. The announcement has generated significant interest in Syrian artistic and cultural circles.

Assala expressed her excitement to reunite with her Damascus fans through a post on X, saying she misses the city, its people, and her friends. She wrote today: "My beloved friends and family in Damascus, we will meet again, and in Damascus I will relive with you the years I have missed."

In her message, the Syrian artist added: "I will return with you to the beginning, we will walk through every neighborhood, celebrate, and sing about ourselves and togetherness... Truly, as much as you miss me, I miss you."

View the post on X

Meanwhile, Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin Saleh promoted Assala's concert on his X account, affirming Syria's welcome to returning artists and their creative contributions. He described the singer as "a sister among men," writing: "The new Syrian state invites all its sons and daughters to present their creativity in their homeland and the Arab home, foremost among them the daughter of Damascus and a sister among men, Assala Nasri."

The minister noted that Assala "remained steadfast in her support for the Syrian people's revolution from the very beginning, endured much for her stance, and donated her jewelry to aid her people in the early days of the uprising—a moment of sincerity Syrians will not forget."

He confirmed that the Ministry of Culture is preparing for Assala's first concert in Damascus and will also support her new album, which carries themes of longing, joy, and hope for the return of displaced Syrians. He added that through the concert and album, Assala will offer "an extensive journey into Syrian culture and our rich heritage, drawing from various Syrian dialects and the authentic traditions of our people in both cities and countryside, as well as classic musical styles."

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Assala's return comes as Damascus experiences a surge in artistic and cultural activity, having hosted several musical and artistic events in recent months at venues including Damascus Citadel, as part of various festivals and cultural programs.