Syria launches first official print newspaper since fall of Assad
The Syrian Arab Republic’s state-owned newspaper Al-Thawra Al-Souria (The Syrian Revolution) — previously known as Al-Thawra — was relaunched on Monday under the slogan “A New Identity … A New Era.”
The publication is returning to print for the first time since 2020 to offer an integrated platform combining print, digital and interactive formats.
A ceremony for the relaunch took place at the National Center for Visual Arts in Damascus.
Former President Bashar Assad’s regime stopped printing dailies during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing rising printing costs and distribution challenges.
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A ceremony for the relaunch took place at the National Center for Visual Arts in Damascus.
Information Minister Hamza Al-Mustafa said at the relaunch ceremony that the return to print marks a reclaiming of Syria’s voice after decades of censorship, describing it as “a statement of presence and identity.”
He added that the newspaper aims to mirror citizens’ daily lives, concerns and aspirations, offering a space for free and responsible discussion.
Highlighting the broader media strategy, Al-Mustafa said the relaunch is part of Syria’s vision for professional and accountable journalism that bridges society and state institutions.
He also announced plans to reactivate other state newspapers, including Al-Hurriya (Freedom), which will focus on the economy and political affairs, and Al-Mawqif Al-Riyadi (Sport’s Outlook), as a comprehensive sports platform, alongside new provincial media initiatives.
Al-Thawra’s editor-in-chief, Nour Al-Din Ismail, described the relaunch as “the birth of a newspaper worthy of the sacrifices and struggles of Syrians over the past 14 years,” highlighting that the initiative opens a “new stage based on transparency, dialogue and responsible freedom of expression.”
The newspaper traces its legacy to Syria’s historic press, with roots in state media that once served as a tool of public discourse and later faced decades of strict censorship.
The relaunch reflects broader efforts to revive print journalism in the country, complementing digital platforms while reinforcing national identity and public trust in media.
