More than half a million Syrians have returned to their homeland from Turkey since the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The returns mark a significant shift after years of displacement caused by the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 and led to a massive influx of refugees into neighboring Turkey.

Turkey, which shares a long border with Syria, became the primary host country for Syrian refugees, sheltering as many as 3.5 million people at one point. For many Syrians, Turkey offered a safe haven from the violence and instability that ravaged their country.

Ahmed, an 18-year-old who has lived in Turkey since he was five, expressed his eagerness to return to Syria. "I am impatient to get there," he said in Gaziantep, a city in southeastern Turkey near the Syrian border. He added that he was saving money in anticipation of the move, acknowledging that wages in Syria are currently low. Despite the challenges, Ahmed voiced optimism about the future, stating, "Syria will be rebuilt and it will be like gold."

The decision to return is complex for many Syrian refugees, who face a country scarred by years of conflict. While the fall of Assad has created an opportunity for rebuilding and reconciliation, significant challenges remain, including widespread destruction, economic hardship, and the presence of various armed groups. The BBC's Senior International Correspondent, Orla Guerin, reported from Gaziantep on the mixed feelings among Syrians contemplating a return.

The Syrian civil war, sparked by anti-government protests, quickly escalated into a multifaceted conflict involving numerous domestic and international actors. The war resulted in a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions of Syrians displaced internally and externally. The conflict also had a destabilizing effect on the wider region, contributing to the rise of extremist groups and exacerbating existing sectarian tensions.

The international community has been grappling with the Syrian crisis for over a decade, providing humanitarian assistance and attempting to broker a political solution. The ousting of Assad represents a potential turning point, but the path to lasting peace and stability in Syria remains uncertain. The return of refugees will be a crucial factor in the country's recovery, but it will require significant investment in reconstruction, reconciliation, and economic development.