“Syria will rise from its ashes like a phoenix”

Ahed Kiwan has long sought harmony through his violin, a refuge from the chaos that engulfed his native Syria. In his hometown of Damas, particularly in the area of Tadamon, the sounds of weapons replaced those of music. Under constant attack, Ahed was forced to flee to Soueïda in 2012, driven by the violence and the many massacres that left his community shattered.

Tadamon suburb in Damas / © Ahed Kiwan

“If I had stayed in Soueïda to finish my university studies,” Ahed explained, “I would have eventually been forced to serve in the military and fight against my own Syrian brothers. That was simply unacceptable to me, both morally and musically. I believe my true calling is to spread peace and love through my violin.” In 2018, Ahed made the decision to leave Syria and head for Europe, but it wasn’t until 2022 that he was able to make his escape, after spending a significant amount of money to do so.

Ahed has been playing the violin since his childhood days / © Ahed Kiwan

“I hope this will be the first step towards the construction of a democratic state” 

Ahed recalls the pressure he and his friends faced at university, where the student union blackmailed them into participating in pro-regime marches, threatening expulsion if they refused. “The downfall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime has brought me great joy,” he said. “Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future, I hope this marks the beginning of a democratic Syria, one that upholds social justice and the rights of its people. A modern country, free from political and religious extremism, that can move forward with the rest of the world. This is the first step toward peace and an end to the bloodshed.”

Since arriving in Luxembourg, Ahed has found a new sense of family through music. He is part of the amateur orchestra Place de L’Europe, where musicians from diverse backgrounds come together to create harmony. “I am deeply grateful to the Luxembourgish state for its hospitality,” he said. “Their support, both cultural and psychological, has helped me rebuild my life and integrate into Luxembourgish society.”

Despite finding a new home, Ahed’s thoughts remain with Syria. “Syria will rise from its ashes like a phoenix,” he said, a symbol that resonates deeply with his fellow Syrians. “It is a country rich in culture and history, home to many civilisations over the centuries. Syria will remain strong because of the determination and will of its people.”

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