Syrians in Idlib prepare for Valentine's Day - in pictures

Celebrations remain despite bombing and displacement

Ahmed, the owner of a flower shop, arranges flowers in front of his shop in preparation for Valentine's Day. All photos: Moawia Atrash / The National

Flower shops in the centre of Idlib.

Gifts and flowers in the shops before Valentine's Day, celebrated around the world on February 14.

Khaled, the owner of a flower shop, and his father wrap flowers and make bouquets of different colours in preparation. Khaled said the war has taken joy from the country, but people have to continue their lives.

A gift shop owner arranges red gifts on the shelves inside his shop.

A worker in a flower shop in the city of Idlib moves roses, preparing them for sale.

Flower shops in the centre of Idlib days before Valentine's Day, a day dedicated to expressing love with romantic gestures.

Khaled wraps a bouquet of white tulips inside his shop in Idlib. He said that several years ago there was no room for people to celebrate because of the intensity of the bombing and the permanent displacement, but now the situation is calmer.

Ahmed arranges flowers in front of his shop.

Tulips in a flower shop.

Ahmed picks roses to wrap and sell.

Shops selling gifts and roses in Idlib.

Buildings destroyed as a result of a previous Russian bombing, near the flower shops in Idlib.

Flower shops in the centre of Idlib, days before Valentine's Day.

A gift shop in Idlib.

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