At the southern Turkey border crossing of Öncüpınar, trucks are loaded with furniture like tables, chairs, and sofas, ready to head towards Syria. Among the items is a washing machine precariously strapped to one of the trucks. The lifting of the gate allows the trucks, filled with belongings, to move towards the Syrian side of the border.
With the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last year, over 500,000 Syrian individuals who had been living under temporary protection in Turkey have returned to their homeland. For many, this return marks a permanent move as they lack the immediate option to legally return to Turkey once they leave.
Hussein Alsheikh Mohamad, a 25-year-old who fled Syria 13 years ago to escape the civil war, is now returning with his wife and young daughter. Speaking at the border, he expressed eagerness to see his country prosper again despite the challenges ahead.
Since the eruption of Syria’s civil war in 2011, millions of Syrians were displaced, with Turkey hosting a significant number under temporary protection. The Turkish government, supported by over $16 billion from the EU, offered shelter and legal rights to Syrian refugees. Amid polarizing views on the presence of refugees, a considerable number are now opting to return to Syria, hoping for stability and reconstruction.
The rebuilding challenges in Syria are immense, with estimated costs exceeding $200 billion. Despite recent political changes, the country still faces internal conflicts and security issues. The prospect of a fractured society poses a significant obstacle to the rebuilding process.
Syrians in Turkey under temporary protection were allowed limited trips to Syria until July 1. However, current regulations require a visa or Turkish citizenship for re-entry into Turkey. Motivations for returning vary from a desire to rebuild their homeland to economic hardships in Turkey.
Integration of Syrian refugees in Turkish society has been generally positive, with some tensions regarding economic impacts. Efforts to assist returning Syrians include setting up reception centers to address legal and documentation challenges. Concerns about access to education and healthcare in Syria prompt Syrian families to seek guidance from relevant agencies.
Individual stories like that of Lutfiya Hassan, a 62-year-old returning to Aleppo due to financial constraints, highlight the complexities faced by returning Syrian families. The decision to return is often influenced by economic factors and the hope for a better future in their homeland.
As more Syrians contemplate returning home, the success of this transition will depend on the ability of the new Syrian government to stabilize the country and provide essential services to returnees.
