Damascus's Abbasiyyin Stadium, once a sporting pride, now lies in ruins

For years, the Abbasiyyin Stadium in Damascus was the heart of Syrian sport. Tens of thousands of fans packed in to cheer, and titles were celebrated on its pitch. Today it is a pile of rubble in the middle of the capital.

An investigation based on statements from stadium officials and witnesses now describes what happened to the 30,000-seat complex during the war.

What happened?

According to the investigation, the stadium was surrounded in the first months of 2011 by units equipped with tanks and heavy weapons. It then became a headquarters for the Republican Guard, the Fourth Division and intelligence units of the Assad government.

The pitch and the stands were split into firing positions and mortar platforms. The indoor halls used for wrestling, boxing and judo were razed to the ground.

Official documents and duty orders were found inside. Bloodstains and hanging ropes were found in some rooms, which the investigation says point to the human suffering that took place there.

Why does it matter?

Officials say the complex was used as a direct launch base for attacks on civilians, especially in the neighbouring Jobar district. They say this pushed local residents to leave their homes.

They also say athletes who opposed the government were targeted, arrested and tortured.

Some former national team players have since returned to the site. They described their shock at seeing barricades, rubble and signs of destruction where packed stands used to be.

What came before?

The Syrian uprising began in March 2011, when anti-government protests spread to Damascus. A violent crackdown followed, and the country slid into civil war.

In December 2024, opposition forces entered Damascus and Bashar al-Assad fled the country, ending his rule.

The stadium, once the pride of the city, now carries only the dark marks of the war.