As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, thousands of Syrian refugees in Türkiye eagerly flocked to border crossings. This year marked the first Eid al-Adha since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, and the anticipation was palpable. The significance of this holiday, a time of reflection, reunion, and hope, was woven into the very fabric of their plans.
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Local media captured poignant scenes: long lines of families waiting at border gates days before June 6, ready to embrace the festivities in their homeland. Some individuals spoke of temporary visits, expressing a desire to return to Türkiye after the holiday, while others, bolstered by newfound hope, declared their intent to make a permanent return. The contrasting emotions—a blend of nostalgia and hope—prompted many to wonder: What does ‘home’ truly mean for those caught in a cycle of displacement?
Türkiye has traditionally supported its Syrian refugee population, allowing individuals to travel back to Syria up to three times. Many have embarked on this journey with cautious optimism. “Syria is slowly recovering,” shared Hüseyin Salih, a resident of Istanbul for 14 years, while waiting in line at the Öncüpınar Border Gate. His words seemed to encapsulate a collective yearning. “I hope all refugees will return one day, because we all have a role to play. Together, we will build a better future, God willing.” The sincerity in his voice lingered in the air, touching the hearts of those nearby, as everyone silently hoped for the same brighter tomorrow.
Mahmud Kila, another refugee from Istanbul, reflected on his ten years in Türkiye, a journey filled with heartfelt memories. “I had beautiful times here. I’m very grateful to Türkiye. But now, I am returning to Aleppo permanently,” he stated, his tone a mix of appreciation and resolve. This duality of gratitude and longing painted a vivid picture of the inner struggles faced by many: feeling at home yet yearning for one’s roots.
The implications of the Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011, have been staggering. Türkiye now hosts the largest Syrian refugee community globally, boasting approximately 2.7 million registered refugees, according to figures from the Turkish Interior Ministry as of late May. Remarkably, since the regime’s collapse in December 2024, 250,064 Syrians have made the courageous decision to return home, a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
The Turkish authorities remain hopeful, anticipating that the end of the academic year on June 20 will spur even more families to consider permanent returns. Could this signify a shift not just in geography, but also in the heart? After years of turmoil, the return of families to rebuild their lives represents a strong beacon of hope.
Meanwhile, across the border in the capital Damascus, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa marked Eid celebrations by exchanging heartfelt greetings with citizens and officials during a reception at the presidential palace. The festive spirit consumed the city, culminating in thousands gathered for Eid prayers at the historic Umayyad Mosque. The air buzzed with unity as worshippers came together, transcending individual stories to pray collectively for peace and stability in Syria.
In these gatherings, one could almost hear whispers of concern mingling with prayers. As they stood shoulder to shoulder, hope overcame despair in a symbolic display of solidarity. Families clutched hands tightly as they prayed for safety and unity, both for the living and those who had journeyed far too soon.
The complexity of identity, belonging, and aspiration bleeds into every corner of this narrative. As we reflect on these stories, one question echoes: What does it mean to truly return home? Is it merely a physical journey, or does it require emotional reconciliation with the past?
In conclusion, the current landscape for Syrian refugees is one shaped by both hardship and hope. While the challenges are immense, the stories of those returning—like Hüseyin and Mahmud—highlight humanity’s relentless pursuit of belonging and stability. The collective strength of these individuals is inspiring, reminding us all that, even in the face of adversity, the spirit of regeneration and hope can flourish.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
