On Monday, thousands of Syrians took to the streets to celebrate the anniversary of Assad’s fall, waving the country’s new green flag which for years was used by opposition forces during the uprising turned-civil war.

They now hope the fragmented country can slowly transform into a viable state as it rekindles ties with Arab and Western countries.

But with the celebrations come the pain that came with Assad’s totalitarian rule and the atrocities that many Syrians faced during the long conflict.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa gave a speech at a ceremony marking the anniversary.

He praised the merging of different factions to create a national army and called on Syrians to help build the country to be "among the advanced nations".

"To the Syrian people: you have proven to the world that victory is just the beginning so let's all continue the story, the story of people who were patient and steadfast turned victorious," he said.

AP video shot by Ghaith Alsayed and Abd Al-Rahman Shaheen

Production: Malak Harb