The Funeral of the Late President Hafiz Al-Assad

June 13, 2000

Over the past several days, millions of Syrians expressed their grief and sorrow over the tragic death of its beloved leader, the late President Hafiz al-Assad.  The procession was lead by the Son of the Beloved President and the Commander of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Dr. Bashar al-Assad.  The flag draped coffin was carried by hand to Omayyad Square for the nation and people to pay its final respects.  The crowd was overwhelmed with grief and sorrow over the death of its beloved leader for the past 30 years.  The coffin was then transported to Al-Shaab Palace (The People's Palace) on a motorcade and the body was laid in state for World Leaders to pay their respect to the Great Arab Leader.

The coffin then was transported to al-Mazze Airport where it was then flown to the Coastal city of Latakia to the Martyrs Basil al-Assad Airport.  With thousands of Syrians lining the streets, the motorcade made its way from Latakia to the mountain village of Qurdaha, the birthplace of the Late President.  The coffin was then transported to the Na'issa Mosque, named after the late Syrian President Hafez al-Assad's Mother.

After prayers, the coffin was then taken to the family grave, and Syria's beloved leader was laid to rest in the family mausoleum next to his eldest son, the Martyr Dr. Basel al-Assad.  Condolences were paid to Dr. Bashar al-Assad & the Honorable Family.