Fragile peace in Syria's Set Zaynab as sectarian challenges persist
Al Jazeera
β’Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:58:28 +0000
π° What Happened
Set Zaynab in Damascus has experienced a dramatic decline in religious tourism since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Iraqi pilgrims no longer visit in significant numbers, and residents worry about security beyond the capital.
π The Backstory
Set Zaynab is named after the shrine of Sayyida Zaynab, a revered figure in Shia Islam. Under Assad's rule, the area attracted hundreds of thousands of Shia pilgrims annually, mostly from Iraq, and was a key economic hub. The regime's fall created a security vacuum and uncertainty about the area's future.
π― Why It Matters
The situation in Set Zaynab reflects the broader challenges facing post-Assad Syria: maintaining security, reviving the economy, and managing sectarian dynamics. The decline of religious tourism represents both an economic loss and a barometer of the country's stability.
Set Zaynab in Damascus has experienced a dramatic decline in religious tourism since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Iraqi pilgrims no longer visit in significant numbers, and residents worry about security beyond the capital.
Set Zaynab is named after the shrine of Sayyida Zaynab, a revered figure in Shia Islam. Under Assad's rule, the area attracted hundreds of thousands of Shia pilgrims annually, mostly from Iraq, and was a key economic hub. The regime's fall created a security vacuum and uncertainty about the area's future.
The situation in Set Zaynab reflects the broader challenges facing post-Assad Syria: maintaining security, reviving the economy, and managing sectarian dynamics. The decline of religious tourism represents both an economic loss and a barometer of the country's stability.