At the Öncüpınar border crossing in southern Turkey, trucks are loaded with furniture and appliances like tables, chairs, sofas, and even a washing machine, all bound for Syria as part of the ongoing return of Syrian refugees from Turkey.
Turkish officials report that over 500,000 Syrians have chosen to return to their homeland since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Many see this as a permanent move, as returning refugees face challenges in legally coming back to Turkey once they leave.
Among those making the journey is Hussein Alsheikh Mohamad, who fled Syria 13 years ago and is now returning with his wife and young daughter. Their plan includes temporarily staying with relatives while they work on restoring their family home in Aleppo, damaged during the war.
Syria’s civil war, which started in 2011, led to the displacement of over 12 million Syrians, with Turkey hosting a significant number under temporary protection. The Turkish government received substantial financial support from the EU to assist Syrian refugees and their hosting communities.
Facing challenges in Turkey and hopeful for a better future in a stabilizing Syria, some refugees like Cuma Hidir, who fled 14 years ago and now works in a textile factory, are considering returning. However, uncertainties around safety, infrastructure, and rebuilding efforts in Syria remain key concerns.
The World Bank estimates that Syria’s reconstruction costs could exceed $200 billion, with cities like Aleppo and Homs needing extensive rebuilding. Despite political changes in Syria, the country still grapples with violence and instability in various regions, affecting the decision-making of returning refugees.
To facilitate the return process, reception centers have been established to assist refugees with legal documentation and address concerns about education and healthcare services in Syria. While some, like Lutfiya Hassan, are eager to return due to economic challenges in Turkey, others remain cautious and monitor the situation before committing to a permanent move back to Syria.
