Syrian refugee who fled ISIS 'finally feels like a human being' after starting new life in Glasgow

Rabia fled war-torn Syria to set up a new life in Glasgow
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A mum who fled her war-torn homeland has said she finally "feels like a human being" for the first time after settling in Scotland. Rabia escaped Syria back in 2016 following political unrest that led to atrocities being committed across the nation.

Her younger brother was tortured and killed by ISIS, her husband was imprisoned, and her daughter saw one of her friends die when her school was bombed.

Describing the horror, which was their everyday life in the Daraa region of Syria, Rabia said: "It was worse than a horror film. It is beyond the mind's understanding."

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The 40-year-old mother-of-six knew she had to leave their life behind and find somewhere safe for her family. Her husband, Zuhair, had been imprisoned but managed to escape and flee to Glasgow as a refugee - with Rabia and the family taking the opportunity to join him, Glasgow Live reports.

Almost a decade later, they have thrown themselves into the local community, with the mum setting up a hair salon in Cardonald. Rabia said: "In this country, we feel like we are human beings - we are treated like human beings. In Syria, because of the war, there was no value in humanity.

"My daughter aged nine was sitting in an art class when she saw her friend 'go into pieces' after a bomb hit the school. And my oldest child who is at school now in Glasgow is still dealing with the traumatic experience, which has impacted her deeply."

Rabia in her salon.
Rabia in her salon.

Speaking about her previous life, Rabia tearfully said: "My brother Ali [18] was tortured and killed by Isis 10 years ago with his body hung in the street. He had no fear. He was always helping orphans and families and bringing them food. He told my mother not to cry and said 'I'm a martyr.'

"When bombs landed and people were injured or killed, it was impossible to go out and assist as there were snipers ready to shoot. My husband Zuhair was imprisoned in the country but managed to escape and come to Glasgow as a refugee - meaning I could join him."

Rabia's Salon opened in 2022 after she built up a clientele and gained an SVQ in hairdressing, training through the U Concept Academy. Rabia, who did not want to reveal her full name due to fear for her family in Syria, hailed the "amazing support" she got from the academy.

Rabia's Salon is open six days a week
Rabia's Salon is open six days a week

While juggling business and the family, the entrepreneur still tries to help her remaining family in Syria, who she is constantly worried about as there is still widespread poverty and unrest.

Family friend Faten Hameed, of the Scottish Iraqi Association, said: "Rabia opens [her salon] six days a week. The salon is very popular. When I hear what people say about refugees 'they are here for benefits, they have no idea how hard they work. This is a refugee family who are good citizens and work very hard and obey the rules."

In 2011, pro-democracy demonstrations in the Syrian city of Daraa sparked wider protests after the Syrian Government arrested and tortured teenagers and security forces opened fire on demonstrators.

The unrest sparked further unrest and led to a civil war. It is understood about 6million Syrian people are refugees or asylum-seekers abroad.

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