After the abrupt departure of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the Presidential Palace near Damascus saw scenes of chaos. As rebels stormed the capital and forced Assad to flee to Russia with his family, many Syrians took advantage of the situation. Videos show citizens wandering through the opulent compound, some posing on luxury furniture, while others walked away with valuable items, including flat-screen TVs, appliances, and expensive artwork.
The palace, which had been left in a state of disarray, was partially burned after rebels set fire to the reception hall. Despite the damage, some remnants of grandeur remain, such as a large red carpet at the entrance, surrounded by torn posters and banners of Assad, symbolizing the fallen regime.
Looting and Discovery of Luxury Items In one of the videos, Syrians are seen discovering a fleet of luxury cars, including Ferraris, Aston Martins, and a Lamborghini, which were once owned by Assad. Other luxury items found include Dior clothing, a Louis Vuitton suitcase, and high-end furniture. Many visitors were shocked to come across personal family photos, a glimpse into the private life of the Assad family.
The palace’s pristine white marble floors and massive chandeliers stand as a testament to the wealth amassed by the Assad family over the years. The extravagant nature of the palace contrasts sharply with the current state of the country, which has been torn apart by civil war.
Historical Background of the Presidential Palace The Syrian Presidential Palace was commissioned by Bashar al-Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad, and was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Construction began in the 1970s and was completed in 1990. At the time, the palace cost an estimated $1 billion. Interestingly, Hafez al-Assad, despite its grandeur, never lived in the palace, claiming it was meant for his successor.
A 1990 report in The Philadelphia Inquirer described Hafez as someone with “simple tastes.” He reportedly disliked the palace’s opulence, complaining about a 25-foot staircase that led to his office, stating it would be difficult for visitors to climb. Paranoid about potential assassination attempts, Hafez was also wary of the palace’s location atop a hill, fearing that it would make him an easy target in case of an attack.
Leave a Reply