Syrian Refugees in Türkiye Begin Returning Home
Syrian refugees gathered in Istanbul waved opposition flags and chanted slogans.
The Syrian civil war, ongoing since 2011, forced millions of Syrians to flee to other countries. Now, many of them have started returning, gathering at border checkpoints in the south of the country. Hours before the crossings opened, people arrived and set up makeshift tent camps.
In Istanbul, refugees celebrated in the morning with traditional “halay” dances and congratulated one another.
Nasif Kanan, Syrian refugee:
– We are happy to return to Syria. Thank God, the war is over. This was our biggest dream.
Mahmoud al-Ali, Syrian refugee:
– I plan to stay here for another year or two to finish university, then I’ll go back.
Currently, approximately 3 million Syrians in Türkiye hold refugee status. Experts say that after changes in Syria, the majority of them may return to their homeland.
Emrah Kaya, international relations expert:
– With the change in Syria’s government, many Syrians are ready to return. While it’s difficult to provide exact numbers, the repatriation process has already begun. At the same time, Syrians who have settled in Türkiye, invested, or started families here are strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Türkiye and Syria.
The exact number and timeline of refugees returning remain uncertain, but it is clear that ordinary citizens need full confidence in the establishment of peace in Syria.
