In recent weeks, images of former Syrian President Bashar Assad have emerged from his abandoned palaces, igniting mockery and disbelief among Syrians who had faced harsh retribution for expressing discontent with his meticulously curated public persona.
The personal snapshots, reportedly found within albums in Assad’s lavish residences in the hills surrounding Damascus and Aleppo, starkly contrast with the polished public image that both he and his father, Hafez Assad, portrayed during their lengthy rule over Syria.
Many Syrians are captivated by these glimpses into the lives of a family that maintained a tight grip on power while brutally suppressing dissent, including bombing those they deemed a threat. The photos have been widely circulated as people continue to express their disbelief in the aftermath of Assad’s recent ouster, with many wandering through the now-disorderly presidential palace, a clear indication of a hasty departure. Reports confirm that Assad has fled to Russia for asylum.
For numerous Syrians who have suffered under the Assads’ oppressive regime—experiencing imprisonment, forced displacement, and suppression—the images provide both a sense of satisfaction and the opportunity to laugh.
Among the more striking photos is one of Hafez Assad, Bashar’s father, posing in his underwear as if he were a bodybuilder. Other photographs depict Bashar himself, portraying a more casual side: flexing in a Speedo, riding a motorcycle in his briefs, and seemingly daydreaming in a kitchen while clad only in his underwear and a tank top.
Journalist Hussam Hammoud humorously remarked on social media platform X, “What is it with the Assad family and being photographed in their underwear? Highly interested in knowing the fantasy behind.”
These photos allow the public to see Bashar Assad not just as a political figure but as an individual. In one picture, he is seen on a balcony playfully engaging with a girl sitting on his shoulders. In another, a young Assad lovingly places a ring on his wife’s finger, and yet in another, he seems to be capturing a selfie.
Additionally, videos circulating on social media depict Syrians exploring the decadent estates once inhabited by the Assads, showcasing luxurious furnishings and possessions that seem untouchable for countless citizens who have endured the ravages of civil war since 2011. Asma Assad, Bashar’s wife, was once celebrated in Vogue, representing an image of elegance and affluence, and many have now uncovered jewelry collections and high-end goods within these mansions.
Fueled by years of oppression and a thirst for retribution, the people have stripped these grand residences of valuables, further exposing the private lives of the Assad family.