President Al-Assad performs Eid Al-Adha prayer in Aleppo

President Bashar Al-Assad on Saturday performed Eid Al-Adha prayer at Abdullah bin Abbas Mosque in Aleppo.

The prayer, , which was led by Sheikh Mahmoud Akkam, was also performed at the mosque by a number of senior state officials, including the Prime Minister, Minister of Awqaf (Islamic Endowments), Aleppo Governor, Secretary of Aleppo Baath Party Branch, a number of MPs, a number of Islamic scholars and many citizens.

In the Eid sermon, Sheikh Akkam said that Eid Al-Adha brings joy to all Moslems, particularly as it comes after completing the rituals of the Islamic duty of Hajj.

He added that this occasion has sublime meanings that teach all how to face difficult problems with patience and faith and that deepen the values of sacrifice.

He noted the great sacrifices offered by the Syrians across the country in defense of the homeland, especially in Aleppo, where they kept steadfast and backed the Syrian Arab Army in its efforts to liberate the city from terrorism.

Speaking the citizen after Eid Al-Adha prayer, President Al-Assad said “during the past years I didn’t visit Aleppo, but I was always in contact with the people here,” stressing that he visited Aleppo yesterday, because the state has something to offer to the people in this city who suffered for a long time, something that will help in solving many problems.

He talked about his great love to Aleppo and his wonderful memories in this city.

“Throughout history, Aleppo is a great city in terms of history, architecture and the patriotism and creativity of its people, and because it was the target of the war on Syria. And, because this city is great, its people decided to confront and triumph in the battle and to start reconstruction after this battle,” President Al-Assad said.

“We also inspected the water pumping station in Tal Hasel in the countryside of Aleppo and saw how the enemies did the same thing and destroyed it, President Al-Assad added, stressing that “when the enemies and the terrorists destroyed and looted the factories, they thought that they will undermine the creativity and innovation of the people in Aleppo and when they devastated the markets and vandalized the service facilities they thought that they will kill the Aleppians’ faith in their homeland and their hope for better life, but their attempts were doomed to failure.”

“Yesterday, we also visited the old markets. As you know we started reconstructing some of them, such as Saqtiyya 1 and Khan Al-Harir. Restoration works in Saqtiyya 2 market will start immediately and other markets will be involved in the coming rehabilitation plans soon. We will continue whatever this may cost of efforts and money,” President Al-Assad went on to say.

He concluded by saying that “the people of Aleppo are today writing the future”.

Hamda Mustafa