Syrian Refugees in Turkey Consider Return Home After Assad's Fall

Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, a significant number of Syrian refugees in Turkey are considering returning to their homeland, despite the immense challenges of rebuilding and low wages. According to BBC World, over half a million Syrians who sought refuge in Turkey since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011 are contemplating repatriation.

While Turkey once provided a haven for millions of Syrians, a shifting political landscape and rising xenophobia are contributing factors influencing the potential return. The pull of home remains strong for many, even for those who have spent much of their lives in exile.

Ahmed, an 18-year-old Syrian who fled to Turkey at the age of five, told BBC World that he is planning to return to Syria within a year or two. "I am impatient to get there," he said, adding that he is trying to save money first because wages in Syria are low. Despite the economic challenges, Ahmed remains optimistic about the future, stating, "Syria will be rebuilt and it will be better there."

The decision to return is not without its difficulties. As BBC World reports, many challenges remain in rebuilding a country ravaged by years of conflict. However, for many Syrians in Turkey, the desire to return to their homeland outweighs the obstacles that lie ahead.