A key ambition of this introduction is to bring the question of temporality to the centre of anthropological engagements with Syria and the diverse legacies of the past thirteen years of upheaval. Engaging with temporality, tempo and tempus are central to this endeavour. How can we, as scholars, speak across the moving and malleable terrain of discrepant Syrian experiences that are themselves moving in time – that are speaking back to what happened and holding on to hopes and futures envisioned in the past, while simultaneously moving towards new and different understandings and futures? By way of introduction to the issue, this article offers some theoretical reflections on this question in conversation with Syrians’ varied and changing engagements with the past, which are crucial to comprehending how Syrians are moving towards the future, or more accurately different futures.