People wave Syrian national flags during the anniversary celebration of the liberation of Aleppo on the Saadallah al-Jabiri square in Aleppo city, northern Syria, on Dec. 21, 2017. The anniversary celebration also included a military parade and the families of the "martyrs" who have lost their lives during the war, holding up posters featuring the photos of their slain sons and relatives. Last year's battle of Aleppo was a turning point in the course of actions in the Syrian crisis, due to the strategic importance of the city, which was the economic capital of Syria and where most of the country's industry was located. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani)

by Hummam Sheikh Ali

ALEPPO, Syria, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- During the war, it was known as the "death square" due to the heavy rebels' shelling and bombing that rocked its core. A year after the liberation of Aleppo, the Saadallah al-Jabiri square was festooned with the Syrian flags and flocked by thousands of Syrians celebrating the liberation anniversary of their city.

Around a big sign read "I Love Aleppo," the huge crowds of people gathered on Thursday, waving the Syrian flags and posters of President Bashar al-Assad, while shouting slogans in support of the Syrian government forces.

"Today is the celebration of Aleppo, the celebration of every single person here. We have come to express our real joy and happiness that our nightmare has ended a year ago," Ahmad, 40, told Xinhua while holding a Syrian flag in the square.

The anniversary celebration also included a military parade and the families of the "martyrs" who have lost their lives during the war, holding up posters featuring the photos of their slain sons and relatives.

The security around the square was tightened and cars were prevented from getting close, out of fear of possible retaliatory bombings.

The Information Minister Ramez Tourjman took part in the celebration as well as top military officers, including Russians, who played a significant role in enabling the army to retrieve the rebel-held part of Aleppo.

Last year's battle of Aleppo was so cubical and a turning point in the course of actions in the Syrian crisis, due to the strategic importance of the city, which was the economic capital of Syria and where most of the country's industry was located.

It was said that the one who controls Aleppo wins the Syrian war.

Much of the former rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo, including the ancient part of the city, is in ruins, but people are finding their ways to overcome the difficulties and rise with their city to make it the economic capital of Syria once again.

Throughout the year since the liberation, roads, which had been previously blocked by rubble and debris, were cleaned up. Electricity has also returned, at least partially to the city, which was relying totally on generators and batteries.

Drinking water has also been pumped to the taps of the Syrian homes in Aleppo after the rebels cut it off to suffocate the government-controlled areas in Aleppo over the years.

Marketplaces and streets are now jam-packed with people and merchants started opening their businesses there despite the still-under-expectations services.

But as the people of Aleppo say: "we are people who love to work."

Hussain Ibrahim, a resident of Aleppo, told Xinhua during the celebration that the situation in Aleppo has significantly changed after the liberation.

"We are having a better life now thanks to the sacrifices of the Syrian army. The situation before was very bad with security situation hitting rock bottom, but now it's much better," he said.

Ahmad, another man from Aleppo, said holding the celebration in the Saadallah al-Jabiri square is a joy itself.

"Before the liberation, no one dared to stand here in this square... it was totally deserted, and look at us now all gathering here, singing and chanting and feeling our city again," he told Xinhua.

For his side, Aleppo Governor Hussein Diab affirmed that the victory of Aleppo was achieved due to the steadfastness and sacrifices of its people and their solidarity with the Syrian army, pointing out that this victory was a strategic shift in the war on terror and its supporters.