Blind Pianist Looks to a Better Syria

A blind Syrian musician said he believes the fall of the Assad regime will mark a “turning point” for his country and its people.

Gaby Sahyouni lives in the coastal city of Latakia and teaches piano to students at his home, sharing his passion for music despite the challenges of his environment.

Speaking to Anadolu, Sahyouni, 36, expressed his excitement at witnessing the beginning of a new era in Syria.

“It’s very exciting to see a new chapter being written for Syria,” he said.

The pianist described the joy among the people: “They truly experienced great happiness and said ‘Syria is free’.”

Highlighting his optimism for the future, Sahyouni said: “We hope for a more comfortable life for all Syrians. Our desire is for Syria’s rebirth to be rooted not in poverty but in hope and innovation.”

Bashar Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.

The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters captured key cities in a lightning offensive that lasted less than two weeks.