Jobar, a neighborhood in East Damascus, Syria, was once a lively community home to historic religious sites, including a mosque and a synagogue. However, the area has been left a ghost town following years of shelling, air strikes, and chemical attacks during Syria’s 13-year war.

Between 2012 and 2018, Jobar was controlled by rebel forces and became one of the frontlines of the conflict. The neighborhood was heavily damaged by repeated government assaults, leaving many homes dilapidated after years of neglect.

Ahmad, a Syrian man in his mid-30s, pointed to a small, damaged house that once belonged to his grandfather. Nearby are his mother’s home and a small shop where she sold clothes before the war. Ahmad shared his story with Al Jazeera, requesting to use only his first name due to the sensitive nature of his situation.

Locals have described the extensive tunnel network beneath Jobar, which earned the area the nickname "the Bermuda Triangle" because people would often get lost there.

Following the rebels’ capture of Damascus in December 2024, which led to President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia, some residents returned to Jobar for the first time in eight years to visit their homes. Among them is Abu Yehya, who expressed readiness to begin the process of rebuilding his house.

The residents of Jobar now face the daunting task of restoring their community amid the extensive destruction left by years of conflict.

Sources