Syrian refugees who escaped the country's civil war and fled to Türkiye to earn a living are now planning to return to their homeland after the Syrian government collapsed in a sudden upheaval.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly resigned and arrived in Russia for asylum as his government collapsed on Sunday following a sweeping offensive by militant groups.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 3.5 million Syrians have come to Türkiye.
Most would never have considered going back to Syria despite repeated pardons issued by former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. However, at present, many express their eagerness to return home, despite the uncertainties about what lies ahead, including new leadership, potential struggles among opposition groups, and a lack of infrastructure and stability.
Syrian refugee Husam Devama fled nine years ago after his house was destroyed by a bombing. Now he is married to a Syrian woman in Türkiye and works in a coffee shop, but he expressed cheerful optimism about his plans to return home.
"In a month or two, everything will be fine, I will go. Thank God, we have no fear. Hopefully, it will get better. There is no work, the house is destroyed, but hopefully, we will rebuild it," Devama said.
A young man who fled from Aleppo in northern Syria said that returning home would mean relief from a hard life in Türkiye.
"I work and work, but I can barely cover the bills and rent. We work 12 hours. We can't save anything in our pockets. After our soldiers took over, we finally feel safe. We will live well, hopefully, we are waiting for better days. What we have suffered since our childhood is enough now," said Syrian refugee Ahmet Efendi.
30-year-old Muhammed Shar, who has been living in Istanbul for the past decade, said that there is nothing left keeping him from his homeland.
"A bomb hit our house, and there is some damage now. Hopefully, in three to four months, or a year, I'll go. My relatives are on that side. Now repairmen and such will come, they will fix it, and then I'll go, hopefully," he said.
Türkiye will make efforts for the safe return of the Syrian refugees residing in the country back home, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Monday.
Syrian refugees in Türkiye prepare to return home after rebel takeover
