"Worshippers gathered at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on Friday to mark Eid al-Fitr, as Syrians celebrated the holiday at one of the country’s most prominent religious landmarks. Footage shows crowds assembling in the mosque’s courtyards for prayers, with families and visitors also taking commemorative photos during the celebrations. “We thank and praise God for the blessing of safety and security in our beloved country, Syria. Praying in the Umayyad Mosque has a special character. Subhan Allah, every time you visit this mosque, the spiritual and historical meanings within you are renewed,” said Omar Al-Talla’, a visitor from Al-Hasakah. Another visitor, who said he had been living in Saudi Arabia, described his return to Syria after years abroad. “It’s a beautiful feeling to be among your people and to see your country free, and to return after a long time away. It’s indescribable, seeing people’s joy and being among them,” he added. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, and is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Hijri calendar."