Since Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024, more than half a million Syrians have left Turkey, where many had lived as refugees since the civil war began in 2011. While Turkey officially guarantees that no Syrian will be forced to return, bureaucratic pressures and the end of free medical care are prompting some to consider going back.
Some, like 18-year-old Ahmed, are planning to return in a year or two, hoping to rebuild their lives in Syria despite low wages. Others, like Aya Mustafa, acknowledge the pull of home but are hesitant due to destroyed infrastructure, lack of jobs, and family obligations.
Meanwhile, some Syrians are reluctant to return, citing concerns about security, education, healthcare, and governance under Syria’s interim president Ahmed Al Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda leader. For these families, Turkey remains a safer option, though they face restrictions and challenges under “temporary protection” status.
Refugee advocates also warn that upcoming elections in Turkey could shift policies and revive xenophobic sentiment, influencing Syrians’ decisions.
For some older families with Turkish citizenship, a return is planned once Syria stabilizes, motivated by a desire to rebuild their country and reconnect with their homeland.
