The Untold Story of Permit No. 39: How Old Homes Were Demolished—Then Four Additional Floors Were Approved in Damascus’ Al-Adawi Neighborhood
More than two years after dozens of homes were demolished in the Diwaniyah al-Jawaniyah area of Damascus, former residents are still pursuing compensation they say has fallen far short of what they were promised. Many, having lost their homes, are now living in rented accommodations while waiting for a resolution.
The issue has resurfaced following the issuance of a new construction permit authorizing the addition of four extra stories to the development on Planning Parcel No. 36. The decision has raised questions about the legal and administrative basis for approving such expansion, particularly as objections persist over the previous evictions, demolitions, and compensation process.
The property’s owner maintains that the permit was issued in full compliance with the legislation and asserts that all required compensation was provided to affected residents.