Abu Ali quickly replaced his old Assad-themed souvenirs with products showing the new Syrian flag and rebel fighters. One year after Assad’s 50-year rule ended, Syria’s coastal city of Tartous is changing. "Business is slow these days. Tourists and travellers used to come before but now it’s slowed down," said Ali, 48, the shop owner. Russian soldiers and other old customers have disappeared. Statues of the Assad family have been torn down, and the country is redefining its culture. The old strict government is gone, and a new Islamist-led government has taken over. For Syrian vineyards like Jarjour winery, this brought freedom from constant harassment but also new worries. Owner Shadi Jarjour said, "Once, we didn’t have the right stamp on our papers and were threatened with three years in prison, but then the regime fell." Jarjour makes up to 50,000 bottles of wine a year. He was worried how the new rulers, mostly former rebel fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, would react. They told him to keep his business open. But unclear laws mean he cannot sell wine yet. "I haven’t sold anything since December 2024. If a law isn’t published soon, I will have almost two years of losses," he said. Though alcohol import is not banned, border guards often destroy it. Bars in Damascus face raids, closures, and licence issues but still operate after protests. One bar owner said he was told by officials he needed a "little lesson" for opening during Ramadan, even though it isn't illegal. Despite fears, night life in Damascus is lively with many parties. An off-duty security agent said he had the "best night of his life" at a rave. Syrians enjoy new freedoms, staging plays and playing songs banned before. But they are learning the limits as new rulers respond to displays of power like pictures of new president Ahmad al-Sharaa, which were quickly removed. Jarjour remains hopeful. He wants to grow his winery and export Syrian wine someday. "We are waiting to see what the new laws will be, and we hope it comes soon so we can get back to work," he added.