Hundreds of Syrian refugees began returning home this week through newly reopened border crossings in southern Turkey, following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The crossings at Cilvegozu and Oncupinar, which correspond to Bab al-Hawa and Bab al-Salameh on the Syrian side, had been largely inactive for years due to the ongoing conflict. However, they were reopened to facilitate the return of refugees.
Hundreds of Syrian refugees assembled at #Turkey‘s Cilvegozu and Oncupinar border gates, eager to return to their homeland after President Bashar Assad’s fall. Many camped at the crossings, enduring the cold while awaiting their turn to cross.
Details here 🔗… pic.twitter.com/shqudJW4Fh
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) December 9, 2024
Long lines of Syrians formed at the gates, many wrapped in blankets and carrying supplies for the journey ahead. Authorities set up checkpoints to ensure that those crossing had the necessary documentation.
Syrian refugees have started to return home from Turkey.
According to TV 100, the gendarmerie has set up a separate checkpoint five kilometers away from the main checkpoint to reduce its workload and simplify the border crossing procedure. #Erdogan pic.twitter.com/UeQNIf9GDv— Thomas Welschen (@TWelschen) December 9, 2024
Refugees returning through these gates voiced a cautious sense of hope. Muhammed Zin, who fled Damascus in 2016 told The Associated Press: “I will return to Syria now. Thank God, the war is over.”
The return of refugees comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans to facilitate the “safe and voluntary” repatriation of Syrians. Erdogan emphasized that Syria’s newfound stability could allow millions of refugees currently residing in Turkey to return home.
Turkey, which has hosted over three million Syrian refugees since the conflict began, has faced increasing economic and social pressures in recent years, fueling demands for solutions to the refugee crisis.
In response to growing optimism, celebrations erupted in Turkish cities with large Syrian populations. Reports emerged of Syrians replacing the official flag at Syria’s consulate in Istanbul with that of the opposition, symbolizing the end of Assad’s regime.
Moscow, Istanbul, London, Buenos Aires, Tunis…
Syrian embassies and consulates across the world have started removing regime flags and replacing them with the three-starred pre-Baath flag, featuring a green stripe instead of a red stripe pic.twitter.com/53piGjIigd
— TRT World (@trtworld) December 10, 2024
In Lebanon, another country hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees, similar movements were reported as families began preparing to return. Many remain uncertain about the challenges ahead but view Assad’s departure as a turning point.
