Aram

Today’s Syria holds a central place in early Christian history. It is mentioned frequently in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, it was known as Aram and was the site of numerous biblical events. The New Testament identifies Syria as the location of Saint Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. Antioch, now in southern Türkiye, was one of the earliest centres of Christianity. Syria’s Christian community, one of the oldest in the world, flourished long before the rise of Islam in the 7th century. It remained a dominant religious group for centuries thereafter.

A Shrinking Community

Before the outbreak of civil war in 2011, Syria was home to approximately 1.5 million Christians, accounting for around 10% of the population. After over a decade of conflict, economic collapse, leaving for other countries as refugees, and targeted persecution, the Christian population in Syria has sharply declined. Estimates today suggest there may be fewer than 300,000 Christians remaining, with some sources putting the figure as low as 200,000. This marks a staggering decline of over 80% in less than 15 years.

A Legacy of Resilience

Despite their dwindling numbers, Syrian Christians maintain deep roots and cultural continuity. The majority belong to branches such as the Syriac Orthodox Church, Eastern Catholic churches and the Assyrian Church of the East. The presence of these groups extends beyond Syria into neighbouring regions. Notably, in 2023, Türkiye completed construction of its first new Syriac Orthodox church in over a century in Istanbul. However, traumatic memories of violence in the wider region remain strong. These range from the 1860 Damascus massacre to the Armenian genocide and continue to shape the collective identity of the Christian communities in Western Asia. These memories remain central to their identity. The 2012 kidnapping of Maaloula nuns has added to this legacy of trauma.

Treatment Under Assad

Under the Assad family’s 50-year rule, Christians occupied a difficult position. Hafez and later Bashar al-Assad portrayed themselves as secular protectors of minorities. This led many Christians to support the regime, often out of fear of Islamist alternatives rather than genuine allegiance. While religious freedoms were relatively safeguarded, this came at the cost of political silence and complicity. Now, with the fall of the Assad regime and opposition forces reshaping the political landscape, many Christians express mixed emotions. Their cautious hope is tempered by a deep understanding of the violent past of those in now in power in the country.

A Haunting Past

Since 2011, as many as 85% of Syrian Christians have fled the country due to persecution. Under the current government, some have sought refuge in the mountains, many in Lebanon and others in Europe. This is because Ahmed al-Sharaa’s interim government, which largely originates from the Islamist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has raised significant concerns among Christians. Former US Ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, reported that Christians he met were more worried about the group’s past affiliations. These were with Al-Qaeda and other Islamist terror organisations. They were less concerned about its current actions. HTS’s shift from a jihadist faction to a ruling political force remains highly contentious. Its ideological roots continue to generate mistrust.

Uncertain Prospects

The HTS-led government has attempted to project a moderate image by meeting with church leaders and condemning attacks on Christian sites. However, fears remain prevalent. An example of this is the incident that occurred during Christmas of 2024, when jihadist rebels burned a Christmas tree in a predominantly Christian town. Christians report increased anxiety over identity-based violence, the erosion of secular protections, and the influence of hardline religious ideology.

Violence And a Lack of Accountability

Efforts by the interim government to investigate sectarian violence have been slow and unconvincing. An independent fact-finding committee formed in response to killings along the coast has produced few arrests or meaningful investigative outcomes. For minorities, particularly Christians, this inaction signals a lack of accountability. Human Rights Watch warned that the lack of justice mechanisms and systemic impunity could provoke another cycle of sectarian conflict. The killings in Latakia in March 2025 highlight the deep sectarian divisions within the country. The rampages  led to the loss of over 1,000 Alawite and at least seven Christian lives. Numerous organisations have called for independent international investigations into the civilian deaths resulting from this violence.

Watch List

According to Open Doors 2025 Watch List , Syria ranks #18 among countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. Critics argue that without democratic governance and civil society institutions, minority voices remain stifled and vulnerable. In February 2025, participants in the national dialogue criticised it for its lack of representation, limited inclusivity, and rushed discussions on key issues. This undermined its credibility amid pressure from hardline HTS extremism.

Renewed Anxiety for The Future

The March 2025 outbreak of violence on the coast has reignited fears. Alongside the Alawites and Christians killed, churches in Latakia suspended in-person services. Christian communities also braced for further unrest. Although Christians have largely maintained neutrality throughout the war, they continue to be caught in the crossfire. Despite these challenges, Christians continue to hold a vital stake in Syria’s future. The community has made historical contributions to education, medicine, and cultural diversity. It has played a significant role in society. Its voice is crucial to national reconciliation. Their emphasise on pluralism, dignity and peace offers a counterbalance to both authoritarianism and religious extremism. Whether they will be allowed to participate meaningfully in reconstruction is uncertain.