With former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s hasty exit, the Presidential Palace close to the capital metropolis of Damascus witnessed uncommon scenes as Syrians entered for a stroll and exited with valuables and home equipment in hand.
A lot of the palace has been trashed, and part of it was charred after a hearth was set to the reception corridor when rebels stormed into the capital metropolis. A big pink carpet stays intact on the entrance, strewn with torn posters and banners of Assad — symbolic of the occasions that be.
Assad, whose authorities was overthrown by rebels, fled to Russia alongside together with his spouse and youngsters on Sunday.
Movies present Syrians coming into the Presidential Palace and taking a stroll by way of the compound. Many posed for footage on luxurious sofas and chairs.
Many carried away private belongings, furnishings, home equipment like flat-screen TVs and air conditioners, and costly artwork.
Guests additionally got here throughout private photographs of the Assad household.
The palace, with its pristine white marble flooring and big chandeliers, is a testomony to the wealth amassed by the Assad household.
A video reveals folks discovering a fleet of luxurious vehicles belonging to the previous President, these included Ferraris, Aston Martins and a Lamborghini.
The Automotive Assortment of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on the Presidential Palace in Damascus. pic.twitter.com/R4RMPPWbHg
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In one of many movies, the cameraman walks previous a rack of garments marked with the ‘Dior’ model, whereas one other reveals off an costly Louis Vitton suitcase.
A curious historical past of Syria’s Presidential Palace
A 2013 report by The Guardian states that the advanced was commissioned by Bashar’s father Hafez al-Assad. It was designed within the Nineteen Seventies by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, identified for designing the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the work was accomplished in 1990. The advanced was believed to have price $1 billion on the time. Reportedly, Hafez by no means lived within the palace, claiming that the palace was for his successor.
A report from Might 1990 within the Philadelphia Inquirer states that Hafez, projected as “a person of straightforward style”, was sad with the grandeur of the palace. He had complained in regards to the 25-foot staircase resulting in his workplace as it could be troublesome to climb for guests. Additionally it is reported that Hafez, who was paranoid about being killed by the Israelis, was afraid that he can be a sitting duck contained in the palace if there have been to be an assault because it was located atop a hilltop.
