Ahmad Al Shara, Syria’s new president, was a calm child who enjoyed football and prayers, according to his childhood barber, Mohammad Mustafa Ouglo. Following his emergence from exile after toppling Bashar Al Assad, Al Shara revisited familiar places in Damascus, including Ouglo’s salon. Despite a decline in business afterward, Ouglo expresses optimism for Syria’s future under Al Shara’s leadership, a sentiment echoed throughout the community.
Ahmad Al Shara, the newly appointed president of Syria, was described by his childhood barber, Mohammad Mustafa Ouglo, as a reserved and serene boy who found joy in playing football and attending prayers at a local mosque. Following his recent success in leading an insurgency that ousted former president Bashar Al Assad, Al Shara returned to his roots, reconnecting with familiar places, including the barber shop in Mazzeh, a suburb of Damascus where he spent his youth.
Ouglo, who has known Mr. Al Shara since elementary school, recalled, “I’ve known him since he was a child, he used to be in the streets and playground playing ball with the other kids every day.” Al Shara’s family was well-acquainted with the barber shop, with regular visits from his father and brothers. However, the family’s life drastically changed when they were forced to leave the neighborhood during the Syrian civil war.
Despite a long absence, Ouglo immediately recognized Al Shara upon his return. “I knew him until he was a second-year university student studying media,” he remarked, noting that Al Shara was a quiet boy who engaged in prayers and had few friends as a child. During their recent meetings, the barber chose not to discuss political matters, focusing instead on Al Shara’s well-being.
During the haircut, locals began to approach Al Shara with inquiries about electricity restoration, to which he reassured them, stating, “be patient.” After his appointment, he took time to take photos with community members. Al Shara expressed nostalgia for his childhood, visiting important places while acknowledging the unchanged nature of Ouglo’s salon during their conversations.
The president returned to the salon for a second visit, relaying a specific style preference for his beard while reminiscing about childhood grooming standards. Following Al Shara’s political elevation, his visits ceased. Ouglo became known as “Al Shara’s barber,” although this recognition did not lead to an increase in clientele; rather, customers diminished after the regime change.
Despite this, Ouglo remains optimistic about Al Shara’s presidency, expressing the sentiment that the community shares this hope for a brighter future during a period of significant political transition in Syria. “We want our country to be better,” he concluded, emphasizing the people’s desire for positive change under the new administration.
Ahmad Al Shara’s humble beginnings are highlighted through the anecdotes shared by his childhood barber, Mohammad Mustafa Ouglo, who describes him as a quiet and kind individual. Al Shara’s return to Damascus demonstrates his commitment to his roots amidst Syria’s political upheaval. The barber’s optimism reflects the community’s hopes for a transformative future under Al Shara’s leadership, illustrating the profound connection between personal histories and national aspirations.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
