Damascus Starts Campaign to Remove Symbols of Previous Regime and Renew Urban Scene of the Capital

Damascus Governorate issued a decision today, Sunday, July 20, to remove all logos, images, and symbols associated with the previous regime from public streets, markets, and official departments as part of a plan to renew the urban scene of the capital.

The decision stipulated that "the removal of all logos, symbols, images, and formations expressing symbols of the defunct regime" must be completed within a maximum period of 15 days from the date of issuance, based on the provisions of Local Administration Law No. 107 of 2011, and in the interest of the public good.

The Governorate also entrusted neighborhood councils with the task of determining the colors and facades of approved paintings, in cooperation with the Directorate of Technical Services, according to the available paint materials and in line with the approved model. The decision stated: "The use of non-compliant paintings and symbols, including unauthorized colors, is prohibited, in accordance with the approved paint codes (Gs05-Ss05)".

This decision complements efforts that began immediately after the fall of the previous regime, as several Syrian governorates witnessed intensive campaigns to remove signs, statues, party logos, and political texts that used to dominate the public space.

Local authorities are participating in these campaigns in cooperation with civil organizations and community initiatives, in an effort to turn the symbolic page of the previous era that has dominated the visual scene in Syria for decades.